The Global Rise of Rodents

Rodents are on the rise globally due to the following factors:

1.     Increased human populations and denser communities leading to more food sources and harborage area

• Properties with poorly maintained waste and yards provide conditions that promote rodent survival

2. Repeated mild winters

• Prolonged warm weather leads to more rodent reproductive cycles and increased populations
• Milder winters promotes rodent survival

3. Aging building foundations and infrastructures (sewers, roads, etc.)

• Be sure to check your foundation for potential entry points and seal as necessary

4. Insufficient rodent control programs

• Successful programs may take months
• Property maintenance changes may be required in order to reduce rodent populations through proper sanitation and exclusion

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Identify the Signs of Rats

It is important to check your property for signs of rodent activity, including the following:

• ¾” capsule shaped ‘droppings’
• gnaw marks around structures
• paths or runways with flattened vegetation
• rub marks or streaks from rats consistently moving alongside a structure

Rats shelter in burrows that appear as small holes or cavities in the ground. The openings are smooth and free of loose dirt/leaves and will be circular and relatively unnatural in nature. The burrows will have at least 2 openings, an entrance and an escape route. Rats commonly burrow under foundations, in stacks of firewood, in stone retaining walls, under the roots of shrubs and bushes, and in mulch beds, so these areas should be checked carefully

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly, common sense approach to pest control. IPM focuses on pest prevention through sanitation and exclusion; only using pesticides as needed to reduce pest populations. The Health Department recommends an IPM approach to decrease rodent activity. The following are tips for residents to do their part in preventing rodent activity in Dedham!

Rodent Proof Your Home

1.     Sanitation: Remove attractants such as food, water, and harborage areas from your property

• Remove bird feeders
• Rodent-proof compost bins and gardens
• Store sealed garbage bags in durable trash receptacles with tight-fitting lids
• Only put trash out after 6pm the day before your scheduled pick-up
• Do not leave pet food or water dishes outside
• Clean up pet waste frequently
• Remove clutter (gardening supplies, building supplies, etc.) and trim overgrown vegetation to eliminate harborage areas
• Keep items away from foundations as they may provide protected runways for rodents

2.     Exclusion: Inspect your foundation to ensure it is free of holes and other rodent entry points

•  Seal cracks and openings with coarse steel wool, hardware cloth, wire screen, and sheet metal

3.     Elimination: Hire a licensed Pest Control Operator to safely and effectively reduce rodent populations

•  Discuss the use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan with your licensed Pest Control Operator

Rodents are not known carriers of rabies. They are carriers of fleas, which are associated with illness. Rodent droppings and urine have also been linked to health issues. As a result, when cleaning up rodent carcasses or droppings, wear gloves and a facemask. Rodent carcasses can be disposed by double-bagging and throwing them away in your regular trash. Use a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to clean rodent urine and droppings.

More information can be found at the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/

Questions about this information or need additional guidance? Please contact the Dedham Health Department at 781-751-9220.