Rats and Mice Now that we are into the colder months there will be an influx of rodent activity looking for harborage and a place to nest for warmer domiciles including our homes and outside structures. This can include all outside creatures by the coastal parameters that we live by as well as inland areas that are common breeding places for these rodents. In our general area the most common of these rodents are roof rats, Norway rats, deer and common house mice. They are known to squeeze through an opening as small as a ½ inch gap. Anything smaller can be chewed or gnawed upon forging an entrance to any structure. Marks left by house mice are less noticeable than rats. Any food products including pet foods should not be stored in accessible areas. Rats and mice are nocturnal and can be more active in the fall and winter when they look for a place of harborage. They are known to feed at dusk and dawn. It is best to inspect your home and outer buildings for access to entry points that they may enter into. This includes eves, dormers, any damaged wood areas and dryer vents. Control: A successful program of rodent control begins with a through inspection of the property, which includes identifying signs of any infestation occurring with bite marks, tracks, rubs marks, droppings and damaged goods. Once the inspection is complete proper measures are necessary in order for control. Rats and mice can be caught with snap traps that can be placed near walls and vertical runs where they travel. They are known to be wary of any new elements in their environment, thus any new objects should be left dormant for a time before and after a bait system is introduced. There are several anticoagulant rodenticides that are effective for control including pellets, packets, and bait blocks. Bait stations that are tamper resistant and inaccessible are helpful also. Any and all water sources available to them should be eliminated as well. Rodents mainly rats and mice are responsible for at least 500 million to one billion dollars of damage incurred on properties per year in the United States. These figures are attributed to many fires that are caused from gnawing of rodents on electrical lines and can destroy millions of dollars of food products. They can also carry many diseases that can have an impact on humans as well as other animals.
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Tybee Breeze
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