Keep
a clean home, especially kitchen (wash dishes, clean counters
and floor, keep food covered in rodent-proof containers).
Keep a tight-fitting lid on garbage, discard uneaten pet food
at the end of the day.
Set and keep spring-loaded rodent traps. Set traps near baseboards
because rodents tend to run along walls and in tight spaces rather
than out in the open.
Set Environmental Protection Agency-approved rodenticide with
bait under plywood or plastic shelter along baseboards. These
are sometimes known as "covered bait stations." Remember
to follow product use instructions carefully, since rodenticides
are poisonous to pets and people, too.
Seal all entry holes 1/4 inch wide or wider with lath screen
or lath metal, cement, wire screening or other patching materials,
inside and out.
If bubonic plague is a problem in your area, spray flea killer
or spread flea powder in the area before setting traps. This
is important. If you control rodents but do not control fleas
as well, you may increase the risk of infection with bubonic
plague, since fleas will leave rodents once the rodents die
and will seek out other food sources, including humans.
OUTDOORS
Clear brush, grass and junk from around house foundations to
eliminate a source of nesting materials.
Use metal flashing around the base of wooden, earthen or adobe
homes to provide a strong metal barrier. Install so that the flashing
reaches 12 inches above the ground and six inches down into the
ground
Elevate hay, woodpiles and garbage cans to eliminate
possible nesting sites. If possible, locate them 100 feet
or more from your house.
Trap rodents outside, too. Poisons or rodenticides
may be used as well, but be sure to keep them out of the
reach of children or pets.
Encourage the presence of natural predators, such as
non-poisonous snakes, owls and hawks.
Remember, getting rid of all rodents isn't feasible,
but with ongoing effort you can keep the population very
low.
This page last reviewed
Monday, September 27, 2004
Special Pathogens Branch
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services