Rodents are nuisance pests that contaminate food products and transmit diseases. Signs of rodent infestation include droppings; gnaw marks and tracks; burrows; chewed food packages; holes in walls and floors; and stale smells.

Preventing rodents involves eliminating their sources of food, water and shelter. This includes storing food in containers with tight-fitting lids; keeping compost piles away from buildings; and cleaning up areas where rodents may find shelter, including brushy and wooded areas. Contact Rodent Control San Antonio for professional help.

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill insects, weeds and other undesirable organisms. When used improperly, they can harm people, pets and wildlife. It is important to read and follow the label instructions for any pesticide that you use. If you are unsure of what the chemical does or its effect, get information from an expert before using it. If you can, choose non-toxic alternatives to pesticides.

There are many different types of rodenticides, each with a unique mode of action. Some prevent blood clotting, while others disrupt nervous system function. Still others cause internal hemorrhaging. Many rodenticides are formulated into baits that are attractive to rats and mice, containing ingredients such as meat products, grains, seeds or peanut butter. Rodenticides are also available in fumigants, which release gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide into the air to kill rodents.

All rodenticides pose risks to non-target animals. Cats and dogs that eat poisoned rodents can die or become seriously ill. Predatory birds such as hawks, eagles and owls may be killed or become severely ill after eating rodenticide bait. In addition, children could mistake poisoned bait for candy or food. To reduce the risk of exposure, rodenticides should always be stored in tamper-resistant bait stations and placed out of reach of children and pets.

A rodenticide’s effects on listed species and critical habitats are evaluated in biological evaluations (BEs). EPA plans to make draft BEs of the four most commonly used rodenticides available for public comment in November 2023. Once EPA completes its BEs, it will work with USFWS to ensure that mitigation measures are developed and implemented before these products can be used in areas that contain these species or their habitats.

Prevention is the best method for controlling rodents, and it involves eliminating food, water and shelter that attract them. Regularly inspect your home and property for signs of rodents, including droppings, gnaw marks and sebum marks (an oily, brown substance that accumulates on pathways that rodents travel frequently). Store foods in rodent-proof containers. Keep storm cellars, attics and crawl spaces ventilated. Store trash in fixed compartments and discard regularly.

Bait Stations

Rodent bait stations are a popular and effective way to control mice and rats. They contain pre-baited traps or blocks containing anticoagulant poison pellets or liquid baits such as bromadiolone or brodifacoum that are lethal when ingested by rodents over time. These pests typically die within 3-5 days of internal bleeding caused by the anticoagulants in the bait. A single block can kill 12 mice or 10 rats, so a well-placed bait station can quickly eliminate a rodent infestation.

Bait stations are tamper-resistant to prevent accidental access by children or pets and can be made from materials that resist the weather and elements. Many are also designed with internal baffles, compartments or tunnels to make it harder for larger animals such as dogs and cats to reach the bait. Some of them are even weighted to stop rodents from relocating the station or knocking it over. Most have transparent tops so that you can easily monitor bait usage.

A professional can help you select the right type of bait and bait station for your property. They will also assist you in determining the best placement of the bait stations to avoid causing unnecessary harm to non-target species, such as birds or other wildlife that might be attracted to it. It is important to regularly inspect and replace bait, as it can become moldy or stale, which makes it unattractive to rodents.

Rodent bait boxes are most effective when they are placed close to where rodents live and forage. They can be placed inside or outside buildings. They can also be buried in the ground to provide rodents with a permanent food source.

For best results, bait stations should be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart for mice and 15 to 30 feet apart for rats. For areas exposed to afternoon sunlight, use dark-colored stations or treat them with low-odor pyrethroid insecticide prior to filling them to deter insects from reaching the bait and to reduce the potential for non-target animal poisoning. Always read and follow the product label directions for proper baiting.

Exclusion

Rodents are incredibly resourceful and will do whatever it takes to gain entry into living or work spaces. They can squeeze through minuscule openings, chew holes into wood and plastic, and swim significant distances to access buildings. They are known to gnaw through pipes and wires, and even eat insulation, leaving behind costly repair bills. Preventive exclusion strategies can minimize damage and eliminate the need for toxic chemicals and traps.

Rodent exclusion involves identifying and blocking all potential entrances into a building or home. Mice can fit through openings as small as a dime and rats can enlarge openings through their gnawing, so thorough exclusion is essential. This includes soffit vents, doors, and gable vents. It is also important to check around the foundation, basement, and attic regularly for signs of rodent entry and to seal any gaps.

Proper sanitation is another important rodent control measure. Remove outdoor food and water sources such as open pet bowls, compost containers, and trash cans. Store firewood and debris away from the house, and keep landscaping trimmed to prevent rodents from using it as a climbing path. Regularly wash and disinfect trash cans and compost bins, and wipe down countertops, floors, and storage areas to remove crumbs and other attractants.

Rodents can also affect a household’s pets by consuming or contaminating their food, creating anxiety, and transmitting disease. They can also gnaw through wires and tangle and tear pet toys. Finally, rodents can gnaw through and contaminate R-value insulation in attics, cause structural damage, chew into AC ducts, and more.

The maxim that “Prevention is better than Cure” is particularly true for rodents. While trapping and baiting can effectively eliminate rodents that are already inside a building, exclusion keeps new rodents from entering the premises. In fact, a well-designed prevention program can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for pesticides altogether.

A professional can help implement a comprehensive rodent exclusion plan. Identifying and sealing entry points, decluttering attic storage, and eliminating attractants will reduce the need for toxic chemicals and harmful traps. It is also important to have a professional inspect and seal any new openings as they develop. Openings that require a continuous flow of air, such as the underside of roof hangings and ridge vents, may need to be sealed with water-permeable materials such as woven hardware cloth or other breathable material.

Prevention

From the 1900 bubonic plague epidemic to the Yosemite National Park hantavirus outbreak, rats and mice have been posing a health threat for centuries. They can carry numerous pathogens that cause disease in humans, including food-borne diseases such as salmonella and E.coli, as well as parasites such as fleas and ticks. In addition, rodents can cause extensive damage to buildings and structures.

Rodents enter homes and businesses through small gaps and cracks. To prevent them, seal entry points with caulk or 1/4″ x 1/4″ metal mesh. Keep counters, cabinets and sink areas free of papers and fabrics that rodents use for nesting. Keep garbage cans and dumpsters clean and closed tightly. Regularly inspect and clean commonly cluttered spaces such as attics, crawl spaces and garages. Keep vegetation trimmed and away from the sides of buildings, and avoid planting plants like ivy that grow up or onto building facades.

In commercial settings, maintain a clean environment and empty trash cans regularly to avoid providing rodents with food or shelter. Keep incoming shipments and inventory thoroughly inspected for rodent hitchhikers. Regularly check for signs of rodent activity, such as gnaw marks on tin cans and boxes or chewed plastic and paper products.

Rodents are opportunistic and will take advantage of any available food source. To help make a place unattractive to rodents, store owners can provide in-store bait stations, install traps and block entrances with rodent exclusion techniques.

For an effective long-term solution, implement a combination of blocking access, removing food sources and eliminating shelter. Using a multi-tactic approach decreases the risk of future infestations and makes your home or business rodent-free. For more information on pest control methods, contact your local university extension agent or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. When handling dead rodents or resetting traps, wear gloves to protect your hands. After resetting traps or cleaning contaminated items, spray and wipe your hands with a general household disinfectant, then wash your hands well. Always follow label directions and safety precautions for all products used to handle rodents or their droppings.