Vermin
How to Prevent and Eliminate Rats in Residential Settings with Integrated Pest Managment
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control utilizing multiple techniques to reduce and manage pest populations.
- Setting Thresholds
- Identification and Monitoring
- Prevention
- Control
Easiest Prevention
Exterior
- Eliminate bird feeders and standing water (bird baths and containers that can hold water).
- Ensure recyclables are rinsed and put out the morning of trash day.
- Ensure trash is bagged and put out the morning of trash day in covered trash cans.
- Do not feed or leave food for animals outside.
- Eliminate leaf litter and debris around foundations.
- Eliminate animal waste.
Interior
- Keep all pet food in sealed containers and inside the house.
- Check for and repair leaky plumbing.
- Do not leave exposed food out in the open.
Moderate Prevention
Exterior
- Do not store firewood near the house, stack firewood on pallets
- Seal all holes where wiring or pipes enter the house or foundation
- Ensure gutters are cleaned and not leaking
- Seal holes and gnaw marks in foundations and basements
- Ensure garage and screen doors are sealed
- Replace weather stripping and patch any holes
Interior
- Reduce clutter
More Difficult Prevention
- Eliminating dead wood or decaying trees around the property.
- Repairing attic screens and flashing.
- Eliminating shrubs and vegetation around the foundation of the house.
Property owners who purchase and place their own bait/pesticides must follow the label for the amount, placement, and use. Pesticides are poisons and improper use or placement can be hazardous to non-target animals. Leaving rat traps outside can also harm non-target animals such as dogs and cats. If rats persist when the previous has been done, contact a Connecticut licensed pest control operator who specializes in rat extermination using Integrated Pest Management Techniques.
The above prevention methods can help with other pests:
- Eliminating standing water reduces mosquito breeding.
- Removing leaves and debris eliminates harborage for mice (which carry ticks).