rats aren’t just a nuisance they can cause property damage and spread disease. you can prevent a rat problem in your neighborhood by making sure your property is not rat-friendly. remove outdoor food sources for rats by placing compost bins on a base and secure the lid tightly. make sure garbage cans lids fit tightly and that they are emptied regularly.
how to keep snakes out of chicken coop, don’t overfill bird feeders, get rid of fruit and berries that have fallen from trees or bushes and pick up pet waste regularly. if you have a chicken coop, do not leave chicken feed or water in the coop overnight.
if your coop has a dirt floor, watch for signs of burrowing in the coop. if you notice signs of burrowing, place hardware cloth on the floor and staple it to the wall to prevent rats from entering the coop. don`t give rats a place to nest. stack fire wood 18 inches off the ground, and away from buildings. keep grass, vines and bushes cut short and your yard free of clutter. regularly clean out sheds and storage areas and don’t keep upholstered furniture outside. finally, prevent rats from coming into your home by sealing up holes inside and outside. fill holes with steel wool and seal with caulk.
if you do have rats in or around your home, trapping is the safest option. large, simple snap traps, available at most hardware stores are your best option. when removing a rat from a trap, wear gloves. wrap it in newspaper or a plastic bag before putting it in the garbage. then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. poison is an option but may be dangerous to children, pets and wildlife.
if the problem gets to be too much for you and your family to handle, itâ´s time to call in a professional. by following these steps, you can prevent a rat infestation in your home.
by sharing this information with your neighbors, rats in your community will be controlled, reducing property damage and disease!
