Rodent Control

Whether you own property or rent, live or work in the Town of Riverview, everyone has a role in rodent prevention. Rodent proofing your home and property is the most important factor to prevent and control these pests.

Pest control responsibilities

Pest control on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner. If you require professional services, you may wish to contact a licensed pest control company (listed below).

How do I control rodents on my property?

Rodents look for food, water and shelter. By eliminating their access to these things, rodents should stay away from your property.

Here are a few tips to help you control rodents:

• Place outdoor garbage bags in bins with securely fitted lids.
• Ensure compost bins are securely covered.
• Do not install bird feeders where rodents can reach them, including in trees (rats are good climbers).
• Remove fallen fruit, nuts and vegetables from the ground.
• Limit the amount of standing water in your outdoor space.
• Ensure all structures are sealed and there are no cracks or openings.
• Keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
• Keep your lawn trimmed.
• Encourage neighbours to keep their property clean as well.
• Call a pest control company.

Tracking Form

To track rodents and determine if there are areas of concern in our community, the Town of Riverview would appreciate your help in reporting the sighting. Thank you!

Traps

There are several types of traps that can be used to control rats and mice. Snap traps and electronic traps are easy to use and very effective if well positioned and set properly. They generally kill rats and mice instantly. Live traps have trap doors that are triggered when rats or mice walk over them. The Town of Riverview does not supply traps. 

Follow the manufacturer's directions on how to use a particular trap. These are general guidelines:

• Most traps without covers should be set at right angles to the wall, with the baited end of the trap closest to the wall. Some traps (like electronic traps and covered snap traps) should be set with the entrance parallel and flush against the wall. Set 1 trap per metre (yard) along walls, or 5 to 10 traps per visible mouse hole.
• Allow a warm-up period of 3 to 4 days (bait the traps but do not set them), so that the rats or mice become comfortable taking the bait.
• Use baits of strong-smelling, sticky foods like peanut butter, bacon grease mixed with oats, raisins, or gumdrops.
• Reuse the traps: they are more attractive to rats and mice.
• Move traps to different locations if the bait does not disappear regularly.
• Reset the traps in 2 to 3 weeks to catch maturing rats and mice.
• Glue traps are also available and can be used with or without bait.

Note: It is important to check all types of traps daily.

Cleaning

• Use caution when near urine and droppings.
• Wear rubber gloves and a dust mask during cleanup.
• Dampen droppings and debris with a solution of bleach and water before wiping up.
• Wear gloves to dispose of dead rats and mice.
• Wash hands and exposed clothing thoroughly after clean-up, and separate from other laundry.
• Never sweep or vacuum dry droppings. The dust that is raised can cause illness.

Disposal

• Please call the Department of Natural Resources on 506-856-2344 for advice on disposal of dead rodents.