Rodents: Eliminating Rats In Your Neighborhood
Updated: 2.8.11
Rats can live in any area of Anne Arundel County and are capable of carrying disease, destroying food and damaging structures and property. It is important that residents take certain precautions to prevent rats from becoming a neighborhood problem.
Follow suggestions to discourage rodents from living and breeding on your property.
- Keep garbage in rodent-proof containers with sealed lids.
- Feed your pets inside, or remove the food after your pet's mealtime.
- Don't throw seeds, peanuts or bread on the ground to feed birds or other animals. Use bird feeders placed above the ground.
- Clean out rotted vegetables in your garden and compost your garden waste in containers.
- Store your firewood and other materials at least 12 inches above the surface the ground.
- Do not store upholstered furniture, mattresses, papers or other nesting material in the yard, basement or garage.
- Keep grass and weeds cut to a maximum of 4 inches.
- Keep doors and windows in good condition and patch all holes in the walls, floors and foundations.
- Keep your yard clean, especially if you have pets.
Remember, rats move in where their needs are met. If you find any signs of rats on your property, please call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7364.
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