Dealing with Rodents

The Milton Board of Health has received a number of phone calls regarding rodents (rats) being seen in your neighborhood. As a preventative measure, the following advisory information is being provided to assist you in controlling rodents.

Keeping rats out of the home

Despite their size, rats can fit their body through a hole the size of a quarter. To prevent them getting inside, seal up cracks and holes that lead into the home.

Seal all holes larger than one inch.
Fill gaps where utility lines enter the home.
For sealing, use heavyweight materials such as hardware cloth or screening. Seal openings with caulk or foam insulation combined with wire mesh to prevent the rats from gnawing their way in.

Keeping rats away from the property

Rats will only spend time on your property if you are giving them a reason to be there. Food, water, and shelter are the three main things that a rat is looking for. Eliminating these from your property will go a long way toward preventing them from staying.

Clear away any rubbish on the property and stack lumber and boxes on a rack with a clean, open area underneath. Cut weeds and other brush short. Do not give rodents a place to nest.
Do not leave compost in a pile. If you compost, make sure that it is stored in a tightly sealed container made of a strong material. Rats will chew through plastic and rubber.
Store garbage in tightly sealed cans, preferably metal or another strong material. Plastic bags should only be put out on the day of trash pick-up.
All food containers being recycled should be cleaned before being placed in the bin. Rats will eat any small amount of food they can find, including that which is stuck to the inside of used containers.
Remove pet waste from the yard every day.
Do not leave pet food out for longer than it takes for the pet to eat.
If possible, do not use bird feeders. If you want to keep the bird feeder, make sure to clean the area around the feeder on a regular basis.
Clean and maintain any sheds or garages on the property. A poorly maintained, infrequently used shed is an ideal place for rats to nest.

If it appears that rodents have gained access to your property, we recommend obtaining the services of a licensed extermination company. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 617-898-4886.