Mice and rats are on the move and while there are reports this season is one of the worst people can remember, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) manager of natural disasters and emergencies Banjo Patterson said he wasn’t aware of any reports of numbers being higher than average. 

“It seems to be about the same as previous years from reports we have received,” he said. 

But hardware stores in Warrnambool and district have reported almost selling out of traps and bait. 

Ponting’s Home Timber and Hardware operations manager Pat Lane increased demand had been noted earlier than normal this year. 

“We actually tripled our order in preparation,” he said. “We’ve nearly sold through that, so if we hadn’t loaded up in advance, I’d say we would have been sold out by now.” 

Mr Patterson said it was the right time of the year for mice and rats to be on the move. 

“The best way to try and keep them out of homes is to clean up any rubbish lying around near the house and sheds, then trapping and baiting where it is safe to do so.” 

jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au