Warning: Beware of rodents

Photo: Contributed

As the temperature dips, the City of Kelowna is warning residents and business owners of the potential of rodent infestation.

In particular, rats and mice.

With the cooler weather, traditional food sources such as berries, nuts and garbage are scarce – meaning rodents will look indoors for shelter and food.

"This is the perfect time to conduct trapping or rodent control activities because baited traps are even more effective when food is scarce," says urban forestry supervisor Blair Stewart.

"Being proactive is the best way to prevent rodents from establishing themselves in and around homes and businesses."

If you find signs of rodents or their droppings in your home or business, the following precautions are recommended to clean up the area safely:

• Seal up holes or gaps in residences and businesses to prevent rodents from entering. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel, and rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. Prevent rodents from entering by checking inside and outside the structures for gaps or holes.
• Trap rodents in and around residences and businesses using an appropriate snap trap. Poisons are not recommended as they can potentially harm pets or other wildlife – such as a hawk that eats a poisoned rat.
• Clean up any sources of food or water, and items that might provide shelter for rodents.

All outdoor garbage areas, including dumpsters, compactors, recycling containers and trash cans should be kept as neat and clean as possible.

Remove debris, clutter or stored material from around residences and exterior areas (garage, sheds, yards, etc.) to limit shelter areas for rats.

Click here for rodent detection tips and other methods of prevention.

If you discover you have a rodent infestation, contact a pest management company.