Repel: Apply non-toxic repellents to discourage unwanted guests on your own or with professional help
Exclude: Seal possible entryways and ensure that wildlife attractants are securely stored
Deter: Remove artificial food sources for wildlife and consider embracing the presence of predator species
Additional Steps
Use mechanical traps such as capture, snap or electronic. Snap traps should only be used indoors to avoid accidentally killing beneficial wildlife. Never use inhumane sticky traps.
Keep trash and recycling areas clean
Secure trash cans and dumpsters from birds and rodents
Eliminate the rodent's food and water sources. Do not feed pets outside and leave food unattended. Clean up spilled bird seed at the feeder. Remove English Ivy which provides food, water, and shelter year round for rats and mice.
Prevent access to shelter, by sealing entrances, cracks and crevices that may lead into your home, garage, attic, and crawl space. Use 1/4-inch metal mesh (not chicken wire) to seal off entry points, and steel wool for smaller holes. Clean up woodpiles and yard debris.
Pick backyard fruit as soon as it ripens and keep rotten fruit off the ground
Maintain landscaping-keep a 2-foot space between bushes; remove tree limbs within 3 feet of structures; keep grass area to a minimum
Install an owl box! However, before installing an owl box, make sure your neighbors are not using Rodenticide, so you don't attract an owl to an unsafe area.
