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Pest Prevention

Pest prevention can be a problem in any city. Anyone can effectively prevent and eliminate rats, mice, and feral animals, if you understand them and what they want.  Feeding can be considered 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.
  • Don’t leave bird feeders out overnight or use a bird seed catcher.
  • Don't spread food or seed on the ground.
  • 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.
Don’t Provide Safe Space

  • 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.
  • 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.
Never Use Poison!

  • 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.
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