Hardware stores around the country are struggling to keep up with the demand for pest control

Households are typically plagued with more rats and mice around this time of year, as temperatures start to drop.

But products are now flying off the shelves, as an influx of critters coincides with an abundance of food for them - with heavy and widespread seeding in our forests.

Mitre 10's group merchandising manager, Chris Fisher, says it's an unprecedented situation.

He says people are trying to protect their homes from pests - but they're also doing their bit supporting the nationwide effort to keep rodent numbers in check.