Rodent/Pest Control is a community-wide issue that requires a community-wide solution. Rodents, including several species of rats and mice, live in our natural environment. They can carry and spread harmful diseases to people through consuming contaminated food or water; breathing in dust contaminated with urine, feces or saliva; or through rodent bites. People can also get diseases from ticks, mites and fleas that have fed on infected rats and mice. Homeowners, renters, and building managers are responsible for maintaining their premises and preventing dangerous or unhealthy conditions.
Signs of rodent activity:
- Burrows (cluster of 2 or more smooth holes ~ 2-4 inches in diameter)
- Droppings (curved and sausage-shaped with pointed ends ~ 3/4 inches long)
- Rodent runways (smooth, worn-down pathways resulting from repeated travel- often found along lines and corners such as building foundations, fences, and sheds)
- Sebum/rub marks (oil and dirt from rodents' skin rubbed on walls, fences and flooring next to runways)
Rodent attractions commonly found on residential property:
- Improperly stored trash and recycling
- Poorly maintained bird feeders
- Improperly maintained compost bins (click here for tips to rodent proof compost bins)
- Wood piles
- Cluttered conditions
- Overgrown vegetation
- Animal waste
Tips to Control Rodents and Pests
Remove any shelter source
- Close openings to buildings by weather-stripping doors and windows.
- Seal holes in outside walls around pipes and utility lines with concrete or sheet metal collars. Use 1/4 inch mesh galvanized screening (hardware cloth) on attic and crawl space vents and other louvered openings outside (bathroom and stove hood exhaust).
- Keep grass cut, especially around sheds and buildings and along fences.
- Regularly work yard waste / compost piles.
- Store firewood and lumber at least 12 to 18 inches off the ground.
- Use 1-inch of gravel to fill in rodent burrows around sheds, concrete slabs, and porch steps.
Remove any food source
- Use covered, tight-fitting trash containers, not just plastic or paper bags. To eliminate spillage, put garbage out on the morning of the pickup day, not the night before.
- Clean up vegetable gardens.
- Remove stagnant water on the property
- Dispose of fallen fruit from trees and shrubs.
- Do not leave pet food out overnight, especially outside.
- Store dry pet food and birdseed in covered containers.
- If there is a reported rodent infestation in your neighborhood, do not feed wild birds for 2 to 4 weeks. Only use above ground squirrel-proof bird feeders.
Trap rodents that get inside homes and buildings
- Use bait stations and traps in problem areas. Consider hiring a licensed pest management professional who can provide expertise in effectively and safely using pesticides and placing traps.
- Carefully follow all the label directions and precautions for rodenticide (rat / mouse poison) bait. If you use rat traps, bait the trap unset for a few days, then set the trigger. Peanut butter works well as bait. Place traps against the wall, flat on the floor, with the trigger facing the wall.
To enjoy bird watching without attracting rodents, follow these suggestions
- Don't overfeed the birds. A small scoop of bird seed is sufficient. You may have to fill the feeder more often, but ground feeding birds will consume scattered seeds between fillings.
- Be selective. Not all birds eat the same food. Choose your feed according to the birds you wish to attract.
- Don't throw seeds, peanuts or bread on the ground to feed birds or other animals.
- Construct a catch pan under the bird feeder. This will greatly reduce the amount of seed that falls to the ground.
- During the summer months, when natural food is readily available, reduce the amount of food that you supply for birds.
- Suspend feeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure it is at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk of a tree.
- Do not suspend feeders off of the house or deck.
- Bring bird feeders indoors at night.
- Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
How is The Health Department Combating Rodent Activity?
- Inspecting the residential property for rodent activity and providing residents with information on how to prevent rodent attraction.
- Working with various town departments to remove rodent attractions from public property.
- Educating residents and business owners about proper trash disposal.
Reporting Infestations
Pest, Rodent and Insect Infestations can be reported to the Township of Mount Olive Health Department by calling (973) 691-0900 Ext. 7330. The Health Department will investigate the complaint to verify pest activity and work with the community to find a resolution.