Rodent Control
Rodents will eat virtually any foodstuff. Many materials are often unknowingly being offered as potential food for rodents. These include bird and pet foods, vegetables stored in outdoor sheds, peelings added to open compost bins and household garbage left outdoors in plastic bags or in garbage cans if the lids are missing or are easily removable.
It's important to eliminate all possible food sources because this food is the reason why rodents exist. Suitable nesting and harbourage sites increase the rodents' chances of survival. Rodents usually live near their food sources and the burrows are often found in areas not frequented by humans, such as:
- in and around open compost bins (even if only grass clippings are in it),
- in crevices in woodpiles,
- under garden sheds and building material storage piles,
- in unmaintained portions of yards and
- in garbage can storage areas.
If you discover signs of rodents, the most common methods of control are through the use of traps or anticoagulant rodent baits.
- Traps. Because rodents are very wary of new things, spring traps are usually more successful if they are first baited, but unset with peanut butter, bacon, etc. for one or two days to overcome their suspicious nature.
- Baits. Anticoagulant poison baits can be toxic to humans and pets as well as rodents. They should not be presented openly, but enclosed in tunnel like structures.
If you find dead rodents in the yard, pick them up as soon as possible using a shovel or tongs. Put into plastic garbage bags that can be tied shut and disposed of. This should prevent any ectoparasites (fleas, mites) from escaping and biting children and pets.
Although there is the potential for a serious rodent problem, we can keep it under control with your cooperation in controlling rodents around your home.
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Raccoon Control
Like rodents, raccoons are omnivorous. But they will also attack family pets. If you have a raccoon paying nightly visits, eliminate all possible food sources. You should also keep your pets indoors at night.
The raccoon is protected by the Wildlife Act. In most urban environments, it cannot be trapped, captured, or harmed in any way without a permit from the provincial government. The Corporation of Delta does not provide raccoon control services.
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