It is against city ordinance for any property owner to allow an infestation of rats or mice. Being vigilant and ensuring you don't allow these rodents to burrow (find a warm place to call home) will help you control and eliminate them:
- Disrupt their environment by moving items that border their runways.
- Purchase snap traps (3"x7") and box traps and place them in the rodents' pathways; force them to pass over the trigger by creating obstacles.
- Two or more traps placed closely together produce the best results.
- Peanut butter, nutmeats, doughnuts or any other protein food make good bait.
- Rodenticides, particularly anti-coagulants, are easy to use and effective, but should be used with extreme caution around pets or children.
- For best results, look for poisons with: Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone or Diphacinone.
- "Rodent proof" your house by keeping your property free of garbage and refuse and any other items that would provide food, water or shelter.
- All garbage and refuse should be stored in galvanized rust resistant containers with tight fitting lids. Dumpsters should be kept closed at all times.
- All cracks or breaks in the foundation walls should be repaired as well as gaps where pipes and wires enter or exit the structure. Windows and doors should fit tightly.
- Grass should be mowed frequently.
- Any item stored outside, particularly wood, should be kept 18 inches above the ground.
- Stacks of papers, books, boxes or other items should be stored away from a wall.