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Rodents after the Storm or Flood After a storm, many rodents are displaced from their natural habitats. As a result, these animals seek areas that provide food and shelter. Unfortunately, many of the new rodent havens are in houses, sheds, barns and other buildings. Structures damaged by the storm are particularly attractive and provide easy access for rodents. The unwelcome pests can damage property and, in extreme cases, pose a potential health problem. Rats and Mice As soon as possible, remove from around houses and buildings all debris that provides protective cover for rodents. Keep lawn and field vegetation mowed at a low level to eliminate protective cover for rodents. Remove any potential food source such as household trash, waste grain or other foods that might attract mice and rats. Close openings into buildings around water pipes, electrical wires, vents and doors with 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth or sheet metal. Poison baits registered for rat and mouse control contain anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant toxicants. All rodent baits are effective in controlling these pests. Set snap traps to capture nuisance rats and mice. Successful trap baits for the trigger mechanism include bacon skin, peanut butter, oatmeal and cotton balls. Check traps each day. Squirrels in houses and buildings Trim trees near the house to prevent squirrels from jumping onto roofs. Prevent squirrels from traveling on wires to houses and buildings by installing 2-foot sections of lightweight plastic pipe 2 or 3 inches in diameter. Slit the pipe lengthwise, spread it open, and place it over the wire. The pipe will rotate on the wire and cause traveling squirrels to fall. Close openings to attics and eaves of houses and buildings with heavy 1/2-inch wire mesh or sheet metal. Use chemical repellants. In closed attics, naphthalene (moth balls), methyl nonyl ketone crystals or paradichlorobenzene (moth crystals) may work temporarily as a repellent. Use 1 to 2 pounds spread evenly throughout the attic. Set traps. Traps, including No. 0 or 1 leghold traps, box traps and cage traps, will catch squirrels. Regular rat-size snap traps will catch flying squirrels. Good baits are apple, cracked corn, pecans removed from the shell, peanut butter and sunflower seeds. Use firearms if permitted in your community. Shooting reduces squirrel numbers. Check with local law enforcement officials and wildlife conservation officers in your area.

Posted on: 3/14/2005 2:43:11 PM