18/11/2018
&
are the most frequent and persistent pests encountered around homes and buildings, beside being a nuisance insect, Rats and mice are not only a nuisance but can also cause property damage and transmit diseases. You’ll know they’ve arrived if you see rodent droppings near a food source or shredded fabric or paper. If you identify rodents, there are several steps to take to ensure permanent removal of these pests.
- Removing rodents with traps or poisons will not keep rodents out of your home in the future.
- To permanently keep and out of your home or business, you will need to prevent access by sealing all possible entry points. It is equally important to eliminate rodent attractions such as food and water by keeping food in tightly sealed containers and repairing leaky pipes.
How to get rid of Rodents & house infestation
Common Sources of Food and Water
Food in unsealed containers such as bags of chips, rice, cereal, crackers, flour, and other non-perishables.
Pet food and water left out overnight or in a bag rather than in a secure container.
Fruits or vegetables in open bowls left outside of the refrigerator.
Leaky pipes or faucets throughout the house.
Open trash and compost containers.
Common Rodent Access Points
Holes near cabinets, closets or doors leading to the outside or crawl spaces.
Holes around the sink or appliance pipes.
Cracked foundations in the basement or unscreened ventilation holes in the attic, especially in older structures.
Holes around windows or doors.
Missing screens in vents or crawl spaces under buildings.
Outdoor Recommendations:-
Keep compost piles as far away from structures as possible and grass cut to no more than two inches tall.
Maintain at least a 2 foot space between bushes, shrubs, fences, and buildings. Also, remove tree limbs within 3 feet of a structure or roof.
Don’t plant ivy — it provides shelter and a food source for rodents: snails and slugs. Ivy on walls can form “rat ladders” to windows, attics and other interior spaces.
Avoid having a bird feeder since it provides a source of food for rodents also a good source for snakes.
Keep outdoor grills and cooking areas clean.
Keep firewood off the ground and as far away from structures as possible to mitigate shelter opportunities.
Use city-issue plastic trash bins. If cracked or missing a lid, contact the Department of Sanitation for a replacement.
Indoor Recommendations:
Encase all food items such as breakfast cereals, chips, and crackers in containers.
Opt for garbage bins and compost containers with a top that seals tightly.
Rinse food and beverage containers before discarding or recycling.
Clean your garbage and recycling bins frequently.
Do not leave pet food or water out overnight.
Maintain stove tops clean and free of food scraps.
De-clutter your home of papers, fabric, and any similar materials that attract rodents for nesting.
Repair leaky pipes.
Seal entry points around cabinets, interior walls, attic, and crawl spaces with steel wool, caulk, or 1/4″ x 1/4″ metal mesh.
Maintain attic, crawl spaces, and cabinets near sinks clean and free of moisture.
Rodents are the most frequent and persistent pests encountered around homes & buildings, Rats and mice can also cause property damage & transmit diseases.