How to Control Rodents

A food source attracks rats.

Rodents should be eliminated as soon after discovery as possible; this will help prevent increased infestation of a home. A female mouse potentially may produce 25 to 60 young in one year. Indications of even just a few rodents require action. Eliminate the attraction and openings that allowed the rodents to enter.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rodent proof containers
• Steel wool
• Caulk
• Metal
• Concrete
• Rodent traps
• Rodenticide (

1. Prevent rodents from entering your house by sealing up all holes larger than 1/4 inch. Seal holes using steel wool mixed with caulk, metal and concrete. Avoid easily chewed materials such as wood and rubber. Decrease nesting sites by placing woodpiles at least 100 feet from your home. Clean up and remove old tires, vehicles and debris.

2. Place food, including pet and livestock feed, in rodent-proof containers. Remove all food and wastes from home and outdoor areas. Keep at least 100 feet between your residence and any compost bins. Elevate garbage cans 1 foot above the ground.

3. Determine the source and extent of the rodent problem in order to select elimination tactics. Look for signs such as droppings around food sources, shredded material for nesting or nests, gnawing on food containers and damage to building structure where rodents entered. If necessary, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for help identifying rodent type.

4. Snap traps often provide an effective rodent elimination. mousetrap image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com

   Select traps designed for the type of rodent you need eliminated. Bait wood-snap rodent traps with food such as peanut butter or fruit. Place traps in areas with signs of rodent activity, preferably along the wall inside the main part of the house. Place traps in attics, outbuildings and basements.

5. Place poison bait in areas frequented buy rodents if the problem persists or worsens. Place and store bait in locations inaccessible to children and pets.

6. Consider hiring a professional. Select a rodent control specialist licensed by your state, and ask for proof of licensing.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber or plastic gloves to remove dead rodents and clean contaminated areas. Place rodents, poisons and contaminated materials into double-sealed bags in sealed garbage containers.

• Rodents may not eat stale bait. Replace the bait regularly.

• Read and follow the instructions on the product to prevent danger to pets, children and wildlife.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rodents
• National Pesticide Information Center: Rodent Control and Rodenticides
• Environmental Protection Agency: Rodent Control

Resources

• University of Florida: Pesticide Toxicity Profile: Coumarin and Indandione Rodenticides
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonella-based Rodenticides and Public Health
• University of Georgia: Anticoagulant Rodenticide Toxicosis in the Dog and Cat
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diseases Directly Transmitted by Rodents