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Rodents: |
Rodent proofing is a vital part of a complete rodent control program. The objective is to close all present and potential openings which may serve as entries for rats and mice. This means changing building details to prevent rats and mice from entering. It is important not to seal rodents indoors until baiting, trapping and removal is completed.
Begin with a thorough inspection of the premises and locate openings larger than one-quarter of an inch, and openings where utilities enter. Check floor drains and sewer pipe grates. Make sure doors, windows and screens are fitting tightly. Other possible rodent entries to consider are transoms and letter drops.
The materials for rodent proofing should be rodent resistant, such as sheet metal, heavy wire mesh, concrete, brick and mortar. Steel wool is a good substitute for plugging holes when other materials are not available, but it should only be used as a temporary measure. To prevent rats and mice from using wires and pipes to enter, the appropriate metal guards should be used, such as a flat funnel twelve inches wide for a single vertical line next to the building, and an eighteen inch radius disk guard for horizontal lines.
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