Rodent populations depend upon the existence of food, water and harborage. An effective rodent control method should include sanitation, good housekeeping, environmental management, and trapping. Rodenticide use can be useful under certain conditions.

Remove food, water, and shelter and seal entryways

  • Feed pets only the amount of food they will eat at a single feeding.
  • Keep garbage, trash, and garden debris in receptacles with tight-fitting lids.
  • Thin dense vegetation and create at least a 2-foot space between shrub and buildings.
  • Thin or remove climbing hedges from buildings. Remove tree limbs that are within 3 feet of a roof.
  • Seal all cracks and openings in the house’s foundation and walls that are larger than ¼ inch.
  • Make sure doors, windows, and screens fit tightly.

Remove rats from the home by trapping

  • Snap traps are the most effective and economical way to trap rats.
  • Place traps in areas of rodent activity and close to walls, behind objects, and in dark corners.
  • Set the traps after dark to avoid unintended injury to other animals.
  • Poison baits are not recommended for inside use due to the high probability rats will dead in inaccessible areas causing odors and flies inside the residence.

The following documents are provided in Portable Document Format (PDF) and require the free Adobe Reader.