Causes for concern
- Rodents can contaminate food and spread diseases through their bites or droppings.
- Rodents can cause damage to property that may result in expensive repair. Rodents can chew and gnaw through almost any common building material including wood.
How do I know if I have an infestation?
Rodents tend to hide during the day. Droppings are the most obvious sign of a rodent's presence. Rat droppings are approximately 1 cm (1/2 in) in length, while mouse droppings are approximately 0.4 cm (1/4 in) in length. Other signs include chewing marks on wood work or hearing noises in the walls.
Tips to prevent rodent infestations
Eliminate food and water sources:
- Store foods in rodent-proof, food-safe containers.
- Do not leave pet food outside.
- Store garbage in rodent-proof containers and remove as quickly as possible.
- Fix water leaks quickly.
Prevent entry:
- Seal any holes or cracks around the exterior of buildings. Rodents can pass through very small openings.
- Keep doors and windows closed or fit with screens.
- Keep covers on floor drains. Rats can swim underwater for up to 30 seconds (sometimes through pipes) and jump as high as three feet.
Remove hiding and nesting places:
- Remove debris and clutter inside and outside your home.
- Store firewood 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) off the ground and away from the walls of buildings.
- Avoid planting shrubs close to buildings and keep grass trimmed.
Cleaning up rodent infestations safely:
- Ventilate the area well during clean up.
- Avoid stirring up dust when cleaning, as viruses can become airborne and inhaled. Wet the area to be cleaned with household disinfectant (do not use a spray).
- Do not sweep or vacuum the area. Wear gloves and use paper towels to clean wetted areas. Put waste in a plastic garbage bag and tie the bag shut.
Tips on dealing with rodents:
- Set rodent traps against walls as rodents travel alongside walls and hard vertical surfaces.
- Use extreme caution when using rodent baits as the poison can be dangerous for children and animals. Contact a licensed pest control company for help to deal with large infestations.
Revised: 2014-12-17