How to Prevent Rodent Activity: Eliminating Rat Activity

 Chewed holes Rats have been responsible for transmitting These may be found in garage walls,  Water a number of diseases to humans, including doors, garbage bags and cans, bags of Rats need water to survive. Locations plague, rat bite fever, murine typhus, pet food or birdseed and other similar with standing water or property near leptospirosis and salmonellosis. By assisting places. bodies of water are more likely to residents in helping reduce rat populations, support rat activity. we are able to minimize the disease potential created by their presence in and around our How to prevent rodent activity: homes. Our response may also help prevent damage to property that often results from  Keep garbage in sturdy cans with tight- rodent activity. Property damage from  Droppings fitting lids. rodents' gnawing may range from holes in These are usually ¾ of an inch long.  Don’t feed pets outside. Don’t leave pet floors and walls to damaged electrical They are shiny and black when fresh, food out overnight or for long periods of wiring that may cause a fire. and grey and crumbly when older. time during the day. Sanitarians respond to complaints about rat  Don’t feed birds, squirrels or other activity by conducting surveys, baiting only wildlife. Birdseed, peanuts and other when necessary with an EPA registered food left on the ground will attract rats.  Eliminate standing water if possible. product, and by providing rodent-proofing recommendations that may help a  Cover or seal all openings into your homeowner eliminate conditions that serve Factors that contribute to rat house or garage. A rat can fit through to attract and sustain rodents. The effective activity: a space as small as ½ inch. Cover reduction of rodent populations often basement floor drains with properly requires homeowners and communities to  Food fitted lids. work together to eliminate sources of food, Rats must have a food source to survive.  Use compost bins that have holes no water, and harborage. When a rat finds a food source, it is bigger than ¼ inch. likely to build a nest nearby and  Don’t let trash and junk pile up in your Signs of rat activity: reproduce. Food sources are found in yard, shed, or garage. yards and garages and can lead to a  Burrows rodent problem. They include garbage, Eliminating rat activity: These are holes in the ground made by bird seed, peanuts, pet food, dog rats. They are about 4 inches wide and waste, and fruit and nuts that have  Identify and remove food sources. lead to nests. They are often found fallen to the ground from trees.  Look for burrows and other signs of rat under decks, patios, porches, garages, Eliminating food sources is the best way activity. piles of trash and compost piles. to prevent rodent activity.  Use rodent bait or traps to get rid of  Hiding places existing rat activity. Rats like to build their nests in hidden  Make all necessary changes to your areas under structures and trash piles home and yard to prevent future rat where they feel safe. A rat will look for a problems. hiding place after it has found a food source nearby. What should I do if I see rat activity in my that rats have touched or eaten. Thoroughly yard or on a neighbor’s property? clean all areas of your house where rodents may have been. When cleaning your home: Contact CCBH to discuss the situation. If necessary, a representative from CCBH will  Wear rubber gloves (latex). conduct a survey, provide educational  Do not stir up dust by sweeping or material and bait the area. Conditions that vacuuming droppings, urine or nesting are creating the problem will be identified materials. and recommendations given to assist the  Wet the area to be cleaned with bleach resident to take action and eliminate the or other disinfectant. Follow directions rodent infestation. on the label.  Use a damp cloth to pick up the material How is bait used to get rid of rodents? to be removed. Throw the cloth away.  Mop or sponge the area with the Our staff is licensed to apply EPA registered disinfectant. bait for rodent control. The bait is carefully placed so that it will target the rats and not What should I do if the rodent problem other animals. A follow-up inspection may continues on my property? be conducted to determine if baiting and clean-up activities by the resident have You can search your local phone directory eliminated the rat infestation. Additional under “Pest” or on the internet to locate a Rodent Control baiting and further clean-up activities by the pest management professional. They can resident or a licensed pest control company come out to your home, examine the inside Program may be necessary to prevent a rodent and outside for signs of rodent activity and re-infestation. then trap or bait as necessary. You can also visit your local home improvement or What should I do if I find rat or mouse hardware store to purchase traps or baits. activity inside my home? Where can I find more information on Contact CCBH to discuss the rodent rodent control on the internet? problem. You will get advice on how to get rid of rodents and keep them from coming  CCBH – www.ccbh.net back. CCBH advises against the use of bait  Ohio State University Extension Service indoors. Snap traps and glue trays are safer. www.ohioline.osu.edu You may need to hire a pest management  USEPA professional to help get rid of the problem www.epa.gov/opp00001/controlling/ inside your home. 5550 Venture Drive rodents.htm Parma, Ohio 44130 Remember that rodents spread disease  Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – 216-201-2020 through their droppings, urine, and direct www.ccbh.net contact with people. Throw out any food www.cdc.gov/Features/Rodents