INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR MICE/RAT

The rat/mice control program  could be achieved by following the following steps

1. Inspection and monitoring
In the first step for mice/rat control inspect the area for all the sings of Mice/Rat infestation.

Pay attention to see if you find any or some of these sings

 
FECES OF MICE/RAT 

The first sign is finding Mice or Rat dropping. Mice/Rat produces 50 dropping on an average. Mice dropping are size of 3 mm to 7 mm whereas the rat dropping are 19 mm.

mice dropping

 
Gnawing or chewing sings

The rodents have very sharp incisors. The can chew many different objects including aluminium, plastic, wood, mortar and lead. The evidence of recent damage by gnawing is an excellent sing of presence of rodent.

rat chewing sighns

Burrows

The burrows are mostly found near bird’s feeder, dog house, woodpiles, and Fence rows.

 

Greasy marks
 

The rodents use same path between their nest and food source. The oil and dirt on the rodent’s body. Feet and tail is clearly seen on the point of entry as a greasy mark

Urine stains
The urine of mice/rat has a musk smell, the urine of rodents leave stains on the insulation and drywall.
Physical sighting of Mice or Rats

The physical sighting or alive or dead rodent during inspection is the clear indication of presence of Mice/Rat.

2. Blocking the entry points

This step is the most important step in rodent control. As this is time taking process most of time is being overlooked. The entry point may be one of these areas

Where to look for gaps or holes for mice/rat control inside your 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 gaps or holes for mice/rat control  outside your home
  • In the roof among the rafters, gables, and eaves.
  • Around windows.
  • Around doors.
  • Around the foundation
  • Attic vents and crawl space vents.
  • Under doors.
  • Around holes for electrical, plumbing, cable, and gas lines.
3. Keeping area clean/sanitation
For the effective control of Mice/Rat make sure that
No thick vegetation around the perimeter of property as it provides the nesting material and food to the rodents

No bird’s feeder as the birds feed falling is an open invitation to rodents. If you like bird’s feeder, Keep   bird feeders away from the house and utilise squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder by squirrels and   other rodents.

 No compose as it’s a good source of food to them. Keep compost bins as far away from the house as  possible (100 feet or more is best).

No dog food outside. 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. Always put pet food away after use and do not leave pet-food or water bowls out overnight.

·Inside the house the garbage should be in tight lid containers.
·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.

4. Non chemical
·Rodents traps
 
·Glue traps
 
·Multiple catch or live traps
 

·Ultra sound devices

 
5. Chemical /rodenticide
Call professional to use this options.