trunks and limbs, as well as other debris that are left piled on the property
or fall into culverts, drainage ditches or streams quickly become an attractive
nesting site for displaced rodents, particularly rats and field mice.
Loosened soil around holes left by fallen trees also make ideal burrowing
sites. Damage to your home's exterior provides animals with easier access
to relatively sheltered areas, such as your crawlspace, basement, attic
or even wall voids. People involved in cleanup and repairs may carelessly
discard food and beverage items, which quickly attractive rodents searching
- Watch for these signs of
- Rats usually nest in
burrows. However, in flooded areas, they will move to "high
ground" and may be found nesting indoors. Mice
will nest almost anywhere.
- Mice and rats can chew
through some materials, including siding, walls, cardboard boxes,
etc.,, to gain access to an area.
droppings will often be found in indoor nesting or feeding areas.
- As soon as possible, clear
debris that provide protective cover for rodents around houses and buildings.
Debris that cannot be removed immediately, should be placed as far as
possible from the building.
- If possible, keep lawn and
field vegetation mowed, particularly near the building, to eliminate
protective cover for rodents.
- Remove or contain potential
food sources such as household trash, spoiled or discarded food, bird
or grass seed in a storeroom, etc., that might attract mice and rats.
- Do not leave pet food
outdoors overnight. This will help reduce attraction of rodents
and other animals (such as skunks and raccoons).
- Seal gaps around water pipes,
utility line entry points, vents, crawlspace accesses and doors. Sheet
metal or 1/4-inch mesh galvanize hardware
cloth can be used for large openings.
- Snap traps and glue boards
can be used to capture rats and mice indoors. Successful trap baits
for the trigger mechanism include whole kernel corn (or another grain),
peanut butter and oatmeal. Do not place traps in areas where children
and pets may be able to reach them. Check the traps daily and dispose
of carcasses quickly and appropriately to avoid problems with flies.
When handling traps that have caught rodents, wear gloves (preferably
ones that can be rinsed in bleach).
- Rodent baits are effective
for mouse and rat control, but must be used with great care.
The disruptions that take place during clean-up activities after storms
may make it difficult to get rodents to visit baited locations (if you're
not baiting active burrows). When baiting outdoors the bait must be
secured, e.g., inside a tamper-resistant bait stations, so that it cannot
be removed and possibly dropped in an open area where children, pets
or wildlife can get to it. This work is probably best done by a pest
control professional after cleanup is underway.
place baits or traps in areas where they are accessible to children,
pets or wildlife. Always follow the instructions on rodenticide labels