Rodent management in Peshawar: rats and mice

Which rodents are common?

• Brown (Norway) rat: large, heavy-bodied; burrows in soil, lives in drains, stores and ground floors.
• Black (roof) rat: slimmer, long tail; climbs well and lives in roofs, false ceilings and upper floors.
• House mouse: small; lives inside walls, cupboards and stored goods.

Signs of rodents

• Droppings along walls and in cupboards.
• Gnaw marks on doors, wires, food packaging and pipes.
• Smear marks along regular runs.
• Scratching noises at night in ceilings and walls.
• Burrows near walls, drains and gardens.

Risks

Rats and mice contaminate food and surfaces with urine and droppings, and can spread diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Gnawing on electrical wiring is a fire risk, and stored goods and documents can be destroyed.

Common causes

• Accessible food and waste.
• Gaps under doors, around pipes and in roofs and false ceilings.
• Open drains and broken drain covers.
• Clutter and stored goods on the floor.

Inspection

We locate entry points, runs, burrows, nesting areas and food sources, identify the species, and map where bait stations and traps should go.

Treatment methods

• Proofing: closing gaps around pipes, doors, drains and roof openings (we advise, or do minor proofing work where agreed).
• Secured bait stations: lockable, tamper-resistant stations placed outdoors and in service areas, used according to the rodenticide label.
• Traps indoors: mechanical traps or glue-free options in living areas where baits are not suitable.
• Monitoring visits: checking stations, recording activity and removing any carcasses found.

Rodenticides are toxic to people, pets and wildlife. We place them only in secured stations or inaccessible locations, as the label requires, and record every placement.

Prevention

• Store food and animal feed in sealed containers.
• Keep waste bins closed and collected regularly.
• Keep drain covers in place.
• Reduce clutter in storerooms and keep goods off the floor.

Safety precautions

• Bait station locations are recorded and shared with you.
• Tell us about pets, poultry or livestock on the premises before treatment.
• Products are chosen for the target pest and the place being treated, and must be registered or otherwise legally authorised in Pakistan for that use.
• Every application follows the manufacturer's label: dose, method, site and precautions.
• Our team wears protective equipment suited to the product and the task.
• Food, drinking water, utensils, toys, animal feed and aquariums are removed or covered before treatment.
• Children, pets and other occupants follow the precautions we give for that specific treatment.
• Re-entry time depends on the product, formulation, ventilation and surface. We tell you on the day, rather than using one fixed time for every job.
• You receive written post-treatment instructions.

Standards we work to: the WHO guidance on pesticide use for vector and public health pest control, the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the WHO hazard classification of pesticides, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, together with Pakistan’s pesticide law. See the standards we follow →