Preventing Rodent Infestations
Accumulations of waste materials and rubbish can attract rodents and makes a warm home.
Dispose of all waste (especially food waste) promptly and appropriately.
Store materials at least 18 inches off the ground to make access harder and identification of an infestation easier. Items should be kept away from walls.
Remove sources of food and water - store food waste in lidded bins.
Bait should be used to ensure that rodent numbers do not reach infestation levels.
Bird Feeding - Do not put out seeds, nuts or food scraps for birds when there is rodent activity in the area. The extra food could mean that treatment will take longer or be unsuccessful.
Composting - rodents can be attracted to the warm and undisturbed environment that a compost heap provides. By regularly disturbing the contents, the rodents are discouraged from taking up residence.
Use a lidded compost bin and spread a piece of wire netting across the soil underneath. The netting should protrude at least 16 cm beyond the bin on all sides.
Reporting a problem
If you know rats or mice are originating from a particular location then you may wish to approach the owner of the land to make them aware of the problem and treat the area. If this does not solve the problem, you can report it to the Council for investigation. Report It Online
