Status: Active
Last updated: 25 May 2026
Issued by: Clare Huppatz, Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Regional WA communities
People in regional areas are urged to stay safe while using pesticides and handling dead mice to keep your home, family and community protected.
Rats and mice can breed quickly (approximately every 20 days) and increase in large numbers.
A significant increase in mouse populations is being experienced in the Mid West and Southern WA which has led to a mouse infestation that has caused extensive damage to crops and impacted local businesses, community facilities and private residences.
Poison baits are the most successful way to kill rodents. Many brands are available in retail shops. Some local governments supply poison baits free of charge to ratepayers.
Always read and follow safety directions and the instructions carefully and make sure children and pets cannot reach them.
Safe handling and use of pesticides
- Use rodent baits safely, always follow the label instructions, use gloves and wash hands after handling.
Zinc phosphide pesticides
- Please be aware that coloured poisoned grain baits containing zinc phosphide (ZP) are a dangerous Schedule 7 pesticide that create a toxic gas when they become wet and are only for use on farms (within the crops affected by rodents).
- Zinc phosphide products are approved for application (including aerial) on farms (within the crops affected by rodents) and must be applied by an authorised user – licensed pest management technician or primary producer (on their own property).
- Do not use these zinc phosphide products in townsites, inside public or private buildings or around your home. There are alternative methods to baiting within these areas.
- If these products have been applied indoors collect as soon as possible wearing a mask and gloves, use a vacuum or dustpan and bush and dispose of the product in a plastic sealed bag into the rubbish bin.
- If these products are present around your home, they can be left to break down naturally through exposure to sunlight and rainfall. However, any accumulated 'piles' should be removed and disposed of promptly.
- Ingestion or inhalation may result in nausea, abdominal pain, agitation, chills and tightness in chest. If any of these symptoms occur seek urgent medical attention.
Handling dead or dying rodents and their droppings
Before you start
- Wear disposable gloves, waterproof protective clothing and closed footwear.
- It is recommended you wear a face mask.
- Cover cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing.
- Check the product label of the rodent bait for any additional specific disposal requirements or personal protective equipment (PPE).
Disposing of rodents
- Place dead rodent bodies into a sealed bag or wrap in newspaper before placing in the general waste rubbish bin followed by washing hands thoroughly with soap.
Clean up
- Ideally, any cleaning should be undertaken by household members who are well and do not have a weak immune system.
- Regularly clean and disinfect areas where rats or mice have been – remove rodent droppings, mop floors and clean surfaces with disinfectant.
- It is recommended you wear a face mask when cleaning, particularly if sweeping up droppings or scrubbing.
- Wash bedding and any affected clothing with laundry detergent in hot water.
Wash your hands
- Wash hands with soap and dry your hands after completing the clean-up, and especially before eating.
- Change clothes after contact with rodents or their droppings/urine.
Health risks
Rats and mice can spread diseases that can infect both people and pets, including:
- salmonellosis
- campylobacteriosis
- leptospirosis
- tularemia
These diseases can be passed on by:
- direct contact such as bites
- unsafe handling and disposal of infected dead rodents
- breathing dust contaminated with the urine and faeces of infected rodents
- eating food or drinking water contaminated with:
- rodent urine
- faeces
- saliva
- hair
Diseases can also be transferred by ticks, fleas, and mites that live on infected rodents
Rodents can also damage building structures by:
- gnawing through lead and aluminium sheeting
- chewing through electrical wiring, which can start fires by shorting-out appliances or lighting fixtures.
Rodent bites
- Immediately clean the wound with soap and water.
- Dry the area, apply antiseptic cream and a clean bandage.
- Seek medical attention. You may need a tetanus immunisation, and in some circumstances, antibiotics are given to prevent infection.
- As the wound heals, keep an eye out for signs of infection such as skin that is warm to the touch, redness or pain. Seek health care if these signs develop.
Rainwater tanks contaminated by dead rodents
- Rainwater tanks and overflows should have screens installed to prevent entry of rodents and other small animals and leaves. Check the tank regularly to ensure there are no gaps. Remove and dispose dead rodents as soon as possible, using gloves and wearing a face mask.
