General Information        Signs of Infestation         Methods of Control        
Rat-Proofing          Cleaning Up after Rodents

Methods of Control

Rodents cannot live without food, water, and shelter, so the best approach is to remove those necessities from their reach. 

There are a variety of control measures as described below:

• Removal of Shelter—Lumber piles, trash, and empty boxes provide rodent shelters. Materials such as these should be removed or stored at least 18 inches off the floor.
• Removal of Food and Water—Foodstuffs and pet food should be stored in rodent-proof containers.  Household garbage that contains food waste should be kept in tightly covered metal or plastic cans.  It is also helpful to repair leaky faucets and remove any water storage areas.   
• Traps—Rodent traps include glue boards, cage traps, and snap traps.  The best place to set traps is along rodent travel routes.
• Poisons (baits)—Rodents feed on baits and begin dying 3 to 10 days later.  Place baits in or  near travel ways, burrows, or nesting sites.  Keep domestic animals away from the baits.  Always follow manufacturer's directions for use.
• Placing poison bait inside a home is not recommended because of the danger posed to children and domestic animals.  It is also possible that rodents that eat the bait may die inside the walls, creating odor problems.    It is best to use poison baits outside, and traps inside.