IPM Practices > Rodents

The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to solve rodent problems can result in long-term success and the reduction of risks associated with pesticides. However, the key to the success of IPM is using a combination of appropriate techniques. Evaluating the results is essential to determining whether the problem has been solved or the planned solution needs adjustment.

INSPECTION

The IPM Practitioner:
1. performs an interior inspection on each service visit to locate nests or possible areas of activity;
2. performs an exterior inspection on each service visit to locate possible entry points;
3. identifies species (Norway, Roof Rat, Mouse, etc.) correctly;
4. utilizes the customer’s sighting log;
5. uses a graph or floor plan to pinpoint trap locations.

CULTURAL PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Rodent management depends on denying rodents entry into buildings, as well as good sanitation and storage. The cultural practices listed below correct conditions that encourage rodent problems. The practitioner must provide written recommendations to the customer concerning conditions that need correction. In some cases, the pest management contractor will correct these conditions for a fee.

The Pest Management Practitioner evaluates, recommends, or corrects as appropriate:
1. sealing cracks and crevices in exterior walls;
2. installing tight exterior doors and fitting loading dock doors with anti-pest tension strips or sweeps and keeping doors shut when not in use;
3. caulking crevices around doors, windows, vents, and other openings;
4. installing screens on windows, vents and other openings;
5. reparing plumbing and roof leaks and managing condensation;
6. draining puddles, including drip zones under air conditioners;
7. trimming or removing foundation plantings, vines, overhanging trees, to reduce entry routes and moisture levels around foundation;
8. keeping grass short to remove cover;
9. closing dumpster lids and putting drain plugs in place;
10. cleaning and emptying recycling bins frequently;
11. monitoring trash rooms and dumpsters and cleaning spills promptly;
12. keeping indoor garbage in lined and covered containers and emptying them daily;
13. not exposing food and soiled dishes overnight;
14. upgrading food storage, waste handling and cleaning programs to reduce food available to rodents;
15. removing packing materials, such as grocery bags, cardboard boxes, pallets, and shipping boxes;
16. removing lint accumulations from the edges of carpets, crevices, between floorboards, air ducts and registers.



TREATMENT
Treatment can include both chemical and non-chemical options. However, the use of pesticides is not permitted on a routine or periodic basis. No pesticide application can be made unless the presence of a pest is confirmed and the pest has been identified. Pesticide treatment should be focused on high-risk areas.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
17. seals cracks and crevices on exterior walls, as appropriate;
18. places multiple catch traps, snap traps, and glue traps in areas of activity varying numbers and spacing intervals. These traps are checked every day or every other day for the first week. Follow up visits continue until the rodent infestation has been eliminated.
3a. places rodenticide baits inside tamper-resistant bait stations along the building foundation where it is safe to do so;
OR
3b. uses snap traps inside tamper-resistant bait stations.

EDUCATION
It is important that pest management practitioners increase their knowledge of strategies to solve rodent problems successfully.

The Pest Management Practitioner:
1. participates in an educational program, addressing the following topics within a three-year period:
a. pest identification
b. sanitation
c. exclusion (including inspection techniques)
d. harborage removal /denial
f. environmental alteration (i.e. ventilation, temperature control, etc.)
g. interception (i.e. inspecting purchased or incoming goods, etc.)
h. trapping & monitoring
i. vacuuming
j. use of heat/cold as control technique
k. use of lighting in pest control
l. other considerations
2. subscribes to one or more professional association, organization, and/or trade publications reporting on structural pest management with consistent coverage of IPM related topics;
3. is an active member of a relevant trade or professional association; provides customer with IPM information;
2. Advanced: has completed correspondence course in pest management in current year.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Carpenter Ants
Small Ants
Cockroaches
Fabric Pests
Fleas
Flies
Occasional Household Pests
Rodents
Stinging Insects
Stored Products Pests
Termites
Glossary
Additional Resources