Bedbug on a mattress.

Insects, Rodents and Bites

Home Living Here Animal Services and ControlInsects, Rodents and Bites

Rodents

Rodents, such as rats and mice, can cause property damage. These include:

Norway rat (common brown or sewer rat)
Roof rat
Mice

Rodents can eat almost anything, breed quickly, damage property and carry diseases. Rats and mice contaminate about 10 times more food than they eat. They can damage buildings by gnawing through rubber, soft metals , cinder blocks, plastic and wood. Mice can squeeze through a hole about the size of a dime. Rat holes are larger.

Facts about rodent control

Signs of a rodent problem

The easiest way to identify a rodent problem is by seeing their droppings. Mice droppings are about the size of rice grains. Rat droppings are about the size of black beans.

Other rodent signs:

Burrows - digging around foundations, into walls, under sheds and fences (rats).
Runs - dust-free path along walls and floors (rats and mice).
Gnaw marks - on wood, concrete or other materials.
Sightings - mice are more common in the daytime; rats are more active at night.
Smudge marks - greasy film left by fur along walls or into burrow entrances.

Control rodents

Good sanitation is the best prevention against rodents. You can also complete the following to control mice and rats:

Rodent-proof buildings

Seal outside openings where rodents can enter your home, with steel wool and sheet metal around pipes and electrical conduit.
Use a heavy-gauge wire mesh to cover vents or other openings.
Eliminate any gaps under garages, sheds, porches or other structures.

Reduce clutter

Good housekeeping is very important in preventing rodents. Maintain yards to prevent hiding spots such as:

Tall grass
Wood piles
Thick hedges
Low tree branches

Remove food and water sources

Repair water leaks.
Keep food in proper storage containers.
Eliminate any food sources outside such as unprotected composters, bird seed, fallen fruit from trees, and pet food.
Remember, features on the property such as pools, bird baths, or ponds may be a source of water.

Control the population

Use the correct size trap for mice and rats.
Keep children and pets away from traps.
Use rodenticides. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions. Rodenticides are poisonous to humans and other animals.
Review the area for any new activity and dispose of dead rodents.

If you have an infestation

Hire a professional to set out bait and assist with trapping.

Resources

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small insects, about the size of an apple seed. They have oval-shaped bodies and no wings. They usually come out and bite at night. It is possible for anyone, anywhere to experience a bedbug infestation. The cleanest house, hotel, or apartment can have bedbugs. You can prevent and control bedbugs by using an Integrated Pest Management Program that includes:

Prevention

Regular inspection and cleaning can help you prevent an infestation.

Identifying

The best way to control a bedbug infestation is to spot the problem early and act quickly.

Acting

If you find bed bugs in your home or apartment, talk to your landlord, building manager, or a pest control professional.

Request a Health Department display or presentation.

Fact sheets