Rodent Proofing Tips

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Rodent Proofing Tips

As cooler weather approaches, it's essential to be proactive in rodent-proofing our homes and buildings here in Emerald Isle. We've got some valuable tips for you, and we're partnering with the experts at NC State University to bring you the best advice!

Did you know that the rat most likely to cause problems in our community is the Norway Rat or Brown Rat? These critters tend to seek shelter where people live, making our homes and buildings attractive places for them to take up residence. There is also a field rat or hispid cotton rat that is much smaller, but is often found in the tall grass and not so much in houses or places where people are.

To keep these uninvited guests out, remember to:

1️⃣Seal Entry Points: Check for any cracks or holes in walls, doors, and windows and seal them up with weather-stripping or caulk.

2️⃣Clean Up Food Sources: Store food in tightly sealed containers and ensure there are no leftovers or crumbs lying around that may attract rats.

3️⃣Secure Trash Bins: Make sure your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids to prevent rats from accessing them.

4️⃣Keep the Yard Tidy: Trim trees and bushes away from your home, and remove clutter from your yard to discourage rodents from nesting nearby.

Using poison to control rats can have unintended consequences, as it may also harm other

wildlife, such as opossums, raccoons, and even turtles. Let's work together to protect our local wildlife and find humane ways to manage rodent issues. Black rat snakes are non-venomous and play a crucial role in our ecosystem by preying on rodents. By supporting these beneficial snakes, we can maintain a natural balance and reduce the need for harmful chemicals or methods.

For more information on rodent-proofing and other helpful tips,

visit https://schoolipm.ncsu.edu/rodent-proofing-for-winter/

List of service providers licensed to trap in Carteret County in 2014 Click Here

By taking these simple steps, we can ensure a safe and rodent-free winter for our Emerald Isle

community.