How To Control Rodents : Human Services : Arlington, Virginia

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How To Control Rodents

To control rodents, you MUST remove their food, shelter and entry points to your home or other buildings.

CLEAN UP - ELIMINATE FOOD SOURCES

clean trash can with tightly closed lid

Keep your trash can tightly closed

Remove all rodent food. Trash and garbage should be contained in a rodent-proof container, such as a trash can with a tight-locking lid. Trash cans and dumpsters should be cleaned regularly and their doors and/or lids should close tightly. Prevent bird seed from falling to the ground. Piles of wood, furniture and other yard debris should be removed. Grass should be cut low to the ground. Plants, bushes and branches should be trimmed away from the home or building. Pet waste should always be picked up and disposed properly.

Garbage is an all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents

RODENT PROOF YOUR HOME AND BUILDINGS

Holes larger than a dime, and cracks larger than the diameter of a pencil, should be sealed to prevent rodents from entering your home or other buildings. The gaps around pipe and wire chases should also be sealed. All doors, including the garage door, should have weather stripping. Tight fitting crawl space doors and vent covers should be in good repair. Check periodically around your home and other buildings to correct problem areas.

Sealants that are strong and durable should be used