- If you store wood or other items in piles in your yard, keep them away from walls and at least 30 cm off the ground. Rats will use them as a hiding place.
- Clear out items in and around your basement and yard.
- Control grasses, weeds, shrubs and bushes.
- Keep tall grasses, bushes, shrubs and mulch away from your home.
- Get rid of vines that rats can use to climb up into your roof.
- Trim low-lying shrubs and bushes.
- Keep the ground bare around the foundation of your home.
- Keep gardens free of weeds and garbage.
Rodent Control
Rodents, including rats and mice, can be a major problem for residents and businesses in Brantford. They can cause damage to properties, contaminate food and spread diseases. To control rodents and keep them off your property and out of your home, you have to get rid of the three things they need to survive: food, water and shelter.
Rats only need one ounce of food per day to survive. They need to drink every day. Do not provide food and water for rats on your property.
- Keep garbage in a tightly sealed garbage bin made of hard plastic or metal. Put it outside as close to your garbage pick-up time as possible. Do not leave it out overnight.
- Make sure rats cannot access your compost.
- Do not leave your Blue Box outside. The smell of food residue on containers can attract rats. If you need to keep Blue Boxes outside, rinse food containers before placing in the Blue Box.
- Clean up any fruits or vegetables that fall off trees or plants.
- If there is a rat problem in your yard or neighbourhood, do not use bird feeders. If you want to use bird feeder, put a catch basin under it to collect spilled seeds or clean under the bird feeder at least once a day.
- Do not leave pet food outside - this attracts rats and other wildlife to your property
- Remove water sources on your property.
- If you have a rat problem, turn off and dry out water fountains.
- Remove bird baths and turn over containers that can hold water.
Private Property
Residents and business owners are responsible for maintaining their properties to prevent rodents. If you are experiencing issues with rodents on your property, implement the preventative measures above to deter them. You may also want to consider hiring a pest control company.
Apartments or Multi-Residential Buildings
Apartment or multi-residential tenants should speak to their landlord, building owner or property management first and then contact 311 if the issue is left unaddressed.
Restaurants
If you are a restaurant or food premises, please reach out to Grand Erie Public Health
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