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Preventing Rodent Infestations

As the summer months bring additional concerns over pests and related health issues, please see the attached information provided from the Burlington County Health Department

Preventing Rodent Infestations

Rodent pest control in New Jersey is important because these pests can spread over 35 different diseases through direct contact, droppings, and food contamination. Even in cases where rats don’t directly transmit bacteria or viruses to people, they can infect ticks, fleas, and other rodents that can make people and pets sick. 

Seal up holes inside and outside the home to prevent entry by rodents. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel, and rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a half dollar. Prevent rodents from entering the home by checking inside and outside the house for gaps or holes.

Where to look for gaps/holes inside the home:

  • Inside, under, and behind kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, and stoves.
  • Inside closets near the floor corners.
  • Around the fireplace.
  • Around doors.
  • Around the pipes under sinks and washing machines.
  • Around the pipes going to hot water heaters and furnaces.
  • Around floor vents and dryer vents.
  • Inside the attic.
  • In the basement or crawl space.
  • In the basement and laundry room floor drains.
  • Between the floor and wall juncture.

Where to look for gasps/holes outside your home:

  • ln the roof among the rafters, gables, and eaves.
  • Around windows.
  • Around doors.
  • Around the foundation.
  • Attic vents and crawlspace vents.
  • Under doors.
  • Around holes for electrical, plumbing, cable, and gas lines.

Clean Up Rodent Food Sources and Nesting Sites:

  • Keep food in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids
  • Clean up spilled food right away and wash dishes and cooking utensils soon after use
  • Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean
  • Always put pet food away after use and do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight
  • Keep bird feeders away from the how and utilize squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by squirrels and other rodents
  • Use thick plastic or metal garbage cans with tight lids
  • Keep compost bins as far away from the house as possible (100 feet or more is best).
  • Keep grains and animal feed in thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids. In the evening, uneaten animal feed should be returned to containers with lids.

Eliminate Possible Nesting Sites Outside the Home:

  • Elevate hay, woodpiles, and garbage cans at least 1 foot off the ground
  • Move woodpiles far away from the house (100 feet or more is best).
  • Get rid of old trucks, cars, and old tires that mice and rats could use as homes.
  • Keep grass cut short and shrubbery within 100 feet of the home well-trimmed.

For more information call 609-265-5516