As the temperatures finally cool, ushering in the change of seasons from summer to fall, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is also noticing a change in the number of requests for rat and mouse service. After all, it’s that time of year when temperatures get cooler and rats and mice would rather be inside where it’s warm and dry than outside where it’s cool and sometimes rainy.
So, what can Contra Costa County residents do to reduce the risk of rats and mice this fall? Here are some tips that make your property less attractive to these clever animals that are also vectors of disease as they can spread bacteria and viruses through their nesting material and waste products.
Remove places where rats and mice can find shelter outside
- Remove dense shrubbery.
- Trim any climbing vegetation at least four feet from your home’s roof and walls.
- Store wood and lumber piles at least 18 inches above the ground and at least 12 inches away from any structure.
- Install wire mesh around the bottom of outdoor structures including sheds and make sure shed doors are completely closed at night.
Remove potential food or water sources for rats and mice
- Harvest fruit and nuts as they ripen.
- Pick up fallen fruit and nuts daily.
- Bring in pet food and water bowls at night.
- Place a tarp under bird feeders to remove fallen bird seed each night.
When to Request The District’s Rat and Mouse Service
The District’s public health service for rats and mice involves inspection and advice. Contra Costa County residents and business owners may submit a request for service by phone or online.
During the rat and mouse service, the District employee will:
- Inspect the exterior of the property looking for potential food or shelter opportunities for rats and mice
- Look for evidence of rats or mice including droppings, nesting materials, rub marks, and evidence of gnawing
- Look for evidence of damaged vent screens and other openings, where a rat or mouse could easily gain access to a home’s interior
- While District employees do not inspect the interior of the home, the employee will inspect the garage as long as the garage door is open.
- The employee will look for the same evidence types listed above.
- While inspecting the garage, the District employee will also look for pet food, grass seed, and other items commonly kept in a garage that should be stored carefully to prevent access by a rat or mouse.
Following the inspection, the District employee will make recommendations on what the resident should do to reduce the risk of rats and mice on their specific property. The recommendations are written down and provided to the resident.
More information on prevention for rats and mice can be found here.
And here are some examples of what Contra Costa County residents have said about the District’s rat and mouse service:
- “The technician from CCMVCD was very thorough and helpful with many suggestions to solve my rodent problem.”
- “The brochure was a really nice touch – I would recommend this service to my friends and family.”
- “The technician was patient and thorough and spent time showing us potential rodent entry spots.”
- “Very knowledgeable, conversant, and helpful. This far exceeded my expectations.”
- “Technician was awesome. I referred him to several of my neighbors right away.”
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Contact the District to report mosquito and vector problems online or at (925) 685-9301.