Do’s and Don’ts of Rodent Control

Rats and mice are experts at sniffing out food and shelter. So, how do you keep these dirty and destructive pests from squeezing through the door? Instead of playing the same game of cat and mouse, it’s time to build a better mouse trap. (To find out why you should avoid rodents, download our free rodent report.)

Rodents reproduce at an alarming rate, and controlling their populations can be tricky. A proactive approach, however, can go a long way in keeping your business rodent-free. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to get you started:

DO:

• Inspect regularly. Train your employees on what to look for and incorporate rodent monitoring into their regular routines.

• Seal off entry points. Don’t make it easy for rodents to get inside. Install door sweeps, seal cracks and eliminate gaps around utility lines and boxes.

• Defend the restroom. Install plastic, one-way rodent-proofing valves in toilets to help prevent rodents from entering your building via the sewer line.

• Take out the trash. Empty garbage cans regularly and make sure they are fitted with a tightly sealed lid.

DON’T:

• Leave out food. If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to come back for more. Rodents aren’t picky eaters and will take advantage of the free meal.

• Clutter spaces. Take advantage of this opportunity to get your employees to clean up their desks and the break room.

• Let the landscaping run wild. Roof rats take advantage of tree limbs touching the building façade, so make sure to trim vegetation.

• Ignore standing water. Rodents need water to survive, so check outdoor faucets and gutters for leaks and puddles.

As you implement these best practices, don’t forget to document your activity and work with your pest management provider to monitor results. Communication is key, and effective documentation can help you identify weaknesses and adjust your pest management strategy accordingly.

For more information on which rodents target your facility and why they are a threat to business, download our free report, RATS! A Guide to Avoiding Rodents at Your Business.