Pest Management for Rodents

Updated: January 26, 2024

 

Rodents are wild animals that will naturally seek food and shelter. Most common are mice and rats that may invade buildings seeking food, water, and warmth. When rodents gain access into places that we live or work in, they pose risks to human health such as spreading diseases and causing property damage.

 

Signs of Rodent Presence

Signs of rodent activity generally appear before sightings of rats or mice. Two common signs of rodent presence are rodent pellet-like droppings, and gnaw marks (e.g., wiring). Other signs include damaged property such as chewed insulation, siding, wallboards, electrical wires, food containers, holes, or burrows in the ground etc.

 

Prevention

Prevention is key in controlling rodents on University campuses. Rats and mice reproduce quickly so it is important to act as soon as you notice signs. The most effective approach to prevent rodent infestation and contact with rodents is to remove food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents.

 

Other means of rodent control include:

  • Report large gaps and opening around doors, vents, etc.
  • Keep compost/garbage sealed and use a tight-fitting lid, where applicable.
  • Ensure your garbage bins are emptied frequently and are not overflowing. Do not dispose of food items in blue recycling bins as they will not be picked up by caretaking services.
  • Clean up cluttered areas.
  • Move items off the ground and place in hard-walled containers.
  • Store food and drinks in tightly sealed containers or completely remove food sources.
  • Clean up food spills immediately.
  • Keep food prep and storage areas clean and avoid leaving food out.
  • Return dirty dishes to the kitchen and clean them promptly.
  • Report where grounds maintenance is required at your building, e.g., the need to clear/trim back overgrown vegetation around building perimeters. Report to your supervisor for follow-up with a service order / property management or local facilities management for your campus.

 

Treatment

A combination of prevention and control methods is required to resolve the rodent issue. The first step is to identify which type of rodent present and then to select the best control options for the type of rodent. There are several options to consider for controlling rodents and when selecting a control method, it is important to consider alternatives to avoid harming people, pets, and other wildlife.   Prevention and control may involve professional pest control coordinated by your local facilities group.

 

Reporting Sightings

To report sightings (location, date/time) of rodents, please contact your local Facilities group.

 

Additional Resources