|
Rats and mice are attracted to a property by things that can provide food and/or shelter. Pet food left outside, fallen fruit or nuts from trees, bird seeds, and any snails in the yard can all provide rats and mice with sources of food. Dense vegetation and clutter, including ivy, wood piles, and debris piles, can all provide shelter to rats and mice, and trees or bushes that hang over or touch a home's roof can allow them to access the interior of homes and garages through holes or spaces as small as the size of a pencil eraser.
Once the District technician is done checking the property for signs of rat or mouse activity, the employee provides the resident with a brochure that includes a list of recommendations related to rodent prevention. The technician will discuss any observations made while providing the District service with the resident.
Key Points about Rats and Mice
- They can spread viruses and bacteria through dust created when vacuuming or sweeping up rodent waste and nesting materials.
- They can damage car or home wiring by gnawing on the wires.
- They can contaminate food with their waste products if they get into kitchen cupboards or the pantry.
What to do about Evidence of Rats and Mice on Your Property
If the District technician finds evidence of rats and mice on your property, follow the recommendations provided by the technician and in the brochure. Those recommendations can include, but are not limited to:
- Install 1/4 inch wire mesh over vents along the foundation, attic, and other openings because larger mesh vent screens allow entry to rats and mice.
- Harvest ripe fruits and nuts, and pick up any fallen fruit and nuts before dark each night.
- Thin dense vegetation to allow sunlight to shine through.
- Store pet food in metal containers with a tight-fitting lid, and do not leave pet food outside. If you must, only leave what your pet will eat and remove any excess food before sunset.
| 
