Natural predators such as eagles, snakes, hawks, coyotes, fox and owls can help to control rodent populations by feeding on rats and mice. In order for any rodent control efforts to be successful, you will need to create a comprehensive plan by looking at what is attracting rodents to your property. How are they getting food and accessing buildings? Once you discover that, there are many steps you can take to prevent rodents from accessing food and shelter. Check out the tips below for developing your plan. Any good poison-free pest control company can help you with developing a plan.

NON-POISON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
​CONTROLLING THE RODENT POPULATION WITH A COMBINATION OF TACTICS

Exclude and Starve Rodents
Start by making your home or business less attractive to rodents. This is a critical step to reducing the rodent population. A hole the width of a pencil is big enough for a mouse to fit through!
EXCLUDE rodents by rodent-proofing buildings.
  • Conduct inspections as part of regular maintenance to find potential entry points.
  • Use a phone camera to look for gaps between the sill and foundation. 
  • Block cavities at the bottom of corner boards. 
  • Seal any entry points.
  • Stuff copper or steel wool mixed with pest-proof foam around pipes wires or ducts-- especially near kitchens.
  • Inspect garage doors regularly for gaps around the edges. Use weather seals or flashing to block gaps.
  • Use hardware cloth to cover openings in walls or open rafter bays in attached garages (window screen will not stop rodents)..
  • Stuff small gaps with steel or copper wool combined or pest-proof foam.
  • Repair large openings on the outside of buildings.
  • Eliminate plantings (like ivy) close to the foundation.
  • For more information.Rodent Exclusion Page (CDC).
STARVE rodents:
  • Clean up food of any kind.
  • Eliminate bird feeders.
  • Bury compost or use metal rodent-proof compost bins.
  • Elevate chicken coops.
  • Use metal containers for livestock feed.
  • Avoid feeding pets outside..
  • Use rodent-proof dumpsters and metal recycle bins, and trash cans.
Wild Rodent Control
TARGET rodents:
Raptors can be more effective at controlling rodents than rodenticides! In fact, a family of barn owls can eat as many as 3000 mice per year. To encourage owls to nest and stay in your area, consider installing a nesting box. Other natural predators (foxes, coyotes, snakes)  also help to control rodent populations.

Want more information on IPM?
IPM one page document
IPM Powerpoint with References
Alternatives to Rat Poison
TARGET rodents:
  • Birth control for rats! Initial studies for Contrapest appear promising and safe for non-target animals.
  • Electric Traps
  • CO2 Traps
  • SMART boxes electrocute the rodent and provide tracking information
  • Snap traps (enclosed to protect children and other animals) are still one of the most effective and economical options!
Please DO NOT use glue or sticky traps. They are inhumane and also catch songbirds, small owls, and other small animals who often have to be euthanized as a result.

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