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Pest prevention can be a problem in any city. Anyone can effectively prevent and eliminate rats and mice if you understand them and what they want. While feeding is not a violation, we don’t want future infestations.
Don’t Feed Them
- Use metal trash cans or a can with a tightly sealing lid.
- Cover plants in garden boxes with 1/2 inch hardware cloth cloche.
- Don’t leave bird feeders out overnight or use a bird seed catcher.
- Don't feed wild or feral animals.
- Don’t leave pet food outside.
- Pick up fallen fruit or remove fruit trees.
- Pick up dog poo at least once daily. Never leave overnight.
- No woodpiles, or keep them 18 inches off the ground.
- Seal openings around the house, ESPECIALLY crawlspaces.
- For cement porches and decks, use 1/2 inch hardware cloth cloche.
- Remove vegetation from fence lines & around the foundation.
- Monitor compost bins.
- Thin ground cover/ivy in landscaping and trim bushes up off the ground.
- Remove dead trees/stumps, rats love to nest in their roots.
- It’s too risky for non-target species when placed in non-secured bait boxes. Secondary poisoning is real risk and kills predators like owls and hawks. (bioaccumulation)
- Takes too long - up to two weeks for death.
- Rats can drop poison when startled and taking it back to their nest creating a first hand poisoning risk.
- Stockpiling delays poisoning/death longer.
- Rats are gaining immunity.
