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Pest Management
Note that the Rat Rubout Program is no longer operating under the Health Department. To request rat eradication, see the Department of Public Works Site HERE.
Why control mice and rats?
How to get rid of rats
Mosquitoes
Other Common Household Pests
Why control mice and rats?
Mice and rats, whether dead or alive, spread disease. They contaminate our food with urine and droppings; start fires by gnawing on electric wires; and destroy keepsakes and valuable possessions by gnawing.
How to identify a rodent problem
Rodents are generally most active at night. They leave telltale signs, including
How to get rid of rats
Rats are like people. They need a place to live and food to eat. If you remove their shelter and food, rats CAN be eliminated.Here's how...
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Remove their sources of food!
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Place bird food in a feeder, not on the ground.
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Use metal trash cans or approved plastic with tight-fitting lids.
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Clean up fallen fruits and nuts from the ground.
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Remove pet food dishes and leftovers promptly after feeding.
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Clean up animal waste frequently!
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Eliminate places for them to shelter!
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A dilapidated shed or automobile is an invitation to rats. Repair or remove them!
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Rats can jump up to three feet and climb wires and pipe very well. Be sure to seal any openings to the house, even above ground level. This includes the garage, openings in the foundations, and the basement floor drain. Keep doors and windows screened with half-inch mesh hardware cloth.
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Store lumber, firewood or other materials well off the ground. ·
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Repair any breaks in the sewer line that connects your home with the main sewer system.
Mosquitoes
Throughout the summer and even in the early fall, mosquitoes are biting in many areas--make sure you're protected. Enjoy the outdoors, but remember:
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Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
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Install or Repair Screens
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Support Community-Based Mosquito Control Programs
West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You or your child cannot get West Nile virus from a person who has the disease. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.
The Baltimore City Health Department encourages City residents to report all dead bird sightings within Baltimore City, especially crows and blue jays. This will assist us in our efforts to monitor possible WNV activity.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control
West Nile Virus Infections in Organ Transplant Recipients --- New York and Pennsylvania, August--September, 2005.
Updated information on insect repellents
Managing Stormwater & Mosquito Breeding (NCEH)
Other Common Household Pests
Although they are a part of our natural environment, mildew, rodents, bacteria, and other organisms can be classified as pests.
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Apartments and houses are often hosts to common pests such as cockroaches, fleas, termites, ants, mice, rats, mold, or mildew.
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Weeds, hornworms, aphids, and grubs can be a nuisance outdoors when they get into your lawn, flowers, yard, vegetable garden, or fruit and shade trees.
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Pests can also be a health hazard to you, your family, and your pets.
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