Rodent-Proofing Your Premises

1. Remove Sources of  Food & Water
Improving sanitation conditions is one of the best ways to prevent and to get rid of rodent problems. Rats and mice are opportunistic feeders that will eat any food discarded by humans.  Eliminating their food and water is critical to controlling them. 

        Outdoors:

• Pick up trash and discarded food.
• Keep lids on garbage cans.
• Store pet and bird food in sealed containers.
• Wherever possible, get rid of standing water. 

Dumpsters can create rodent problems around apartment buildings and commercial establishments. To prevent an infestation, dumpsters should be large enough to prevent spillovers and should have tight/sealed lids.  Keep dumpsters 25-50 yards from the exterior of the building, when possible.

        Indoors:

• Clean up spilled food in cupboards.
• Keep counters and food preparation areas clear of food at night when rodents like to forage.

2. Eliminate Rodent Habitat
The following tips will help you reduce rodent habitat.

        Outdoors: 

• Get rid of clutter and piles of debris where rodents like to hide.
• Keep grass and vegetation cut short. Tall grass protects rodent(s) from predators.
• Cut back overhanging trees which provide dark shadowy areas where rodents feel safe and protected.
• A 2-foot wide barrier of crushed rock established around a building discourages rodents.  If that’s unfeasible, keep shrubs and other vegetation around homes and structures trimmed.

        Indoors:

• In basements and storage areas, clear out boxes and other clutter where rodents like to hide.
• Store materials off the floors on shelves, wherever possible.

3. Build Rodents Out
Identify areas that need to be fixed to keep rats and mice out. Rats can fit through  a 1/2 inch opening, or the diameter of a thumb or about the size of a nickel.   Mice can squeeze through a 1/4 inch opening, roughly the diameter of a little finger or an area smaller than a dime.

• Repair holes in the foundation of homes, garages and other affected buildings and exterior & interior walls.
• Permit no openings over 1/4” particularly around doors & windows.
• Install self-closing devices on frequently used doors.
• Install vinyl or rubber sweep seals under garage doors to eliminate gaps.
• Weatherstrip gaps in doorways leading into buildings
• Seals around pipes, drains and vents need to be tight
• Chimneys need to be capped and in good condition.

Recommended Rodent Proofing Materials:

• Steel Wool
• Hardware Cloth – 19 gauge or heavier
• Perforated Metal – 24 gauge thickness
• Sheet Metal (galvanized) – 26 gauge thickness or heavier
• Cement Mortar – 1:3 mixture or richer