Advice from Hamilton Public Health

As the weather changes, rodents like rats and mice may seek out your home for food, water, and shelter. Preventing rodents from entering your home requires consistent effort and vigilance. The following tips can help rodent-proof your property and maintain a safe, clean environment for your family.

Seal All Entry Points

Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter of an inch. To prevent them from entering:

  • Seal any gaps or cracks larger than ½ inch with metal sheeting.
  • Cover vents with heavy gauge wire mesh to prevent easy access.
  • Stuff steel wool around pipes before sealing with caulk or plaster to block potential entryways.

Eliminate Food Sources

Rodents are attracted to accessible food, so it’s important to keep your home and yard free of potential food sources:

  • Clean up fallen fruit, birdseed, and pet food from your yard.
  • Protect vegetable gardens with secure fencing or mesh.
  • Keep all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and rinse food residue from recycling bins.
  • Clean your BBQ after every use to eliminate grease that could attract rodents.

Control and Monitoring

If you have already noticed rodent activity, control and monitoring are crucial steps to reducing their population:

  • Use traps or bait boxes, but ensure they are placed in areas inaccessible to pets or children.
  • Check traps regularly and remove any caught rodents.
  • Consider professional pest control services for severe infestations.

Continued Monitoring and Maintenance

Rodent control isn’t a one-time effort. Regularly inspect your property for signs of activity, such as burrows, droppings, or gnaw marks. Maintain cleanliness in your yard and monitor areas where food or water could attract rodents, like birdbaths, compost bins, and sheds.

Addressing Complaints

The City of Hamilton has seen increased rodent complaints across several neighbourhoods. Hamilton Public Health Services actively monitors complaints and works with public agencies to address the issue. Our efforts include mapping complaints, conducting site visits, and providing advice on prevention and control.

If you have a rodent problem, you can request a site assessment from Public Health Services. We will then work with you to develop effective strategies to protect your home. Call 905-546-2489 or
email publichealth@hamilton.ca.

By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can prevent rodents from entering your home and keep your property safe.  Learn more by visiting www.hamilton.ca/rats.