Summer Rodent Prevention Tips from the Belmont Health Department

Summer Rodent Prevention Tips from the Belmont Health Department.

According to the Boston Herald, a recent Animal Planet Story named Boston as the runner up in the list of cities with the worst rodent problems. Lets’ not let Belmont be the third on that list! 

Here are tips to prevent rodent problems on your property;

1. Maintain your property in a sanitary manner, so as to reduce the potential for rodents.  Keep grills clean; store woodpiles neatly with a foot clearance from the ground.
2. Rodent proof all structures using durable materials such as ¼ inch mesh, metal hardware, or sheet metal.  Eliminate all gaps greater than ¼ inch.
3. Reduce or eliminate available food, water, and harborage that can be used by rodents.
4. Do not leave pet food out at night and take down birdfeeders.
5. Remove fallen fruit promptly and check your compost bin for holes.
6. Thin out vegetation keep grass and shrubbery cut short.
7. Routinely inspect the property for evidence of rodents.
8. Use covered trash barrels made of metal or heavy plastic instead of bags for your trash!

If you discover a rat or other rodent problem on your property we advise you to contact a licensed pest control operator for assistance. 

It is your responsibility to maintain your property so as to avoid a rat problem and to eliminate any infestation!

The Belmont Health Department will issue enforcement orders to property owners who upon notice from the Health Department do not eradicate rodents on their property.

Please feel free to contact the Health Department at 617-993-2720 for questions, a list of pest control operators or specific questions.