Rats & Pests

Rats and other rodents have been a rapidly increasing issue in the warmer months in Holbrook. Rat infestations become a public health issue; rats can destroy and contaminate food and other household materials and rats and their fleas may also transmit viruses, bacteria and parasites to humans.                           Everyone must do their part to control the problem.

Let's Work Together to Prevent Rodents 

The best way to prevent rats from making a home in your neighborhood is to make your house unattractive to rats by taking away sources of food, water, and shelter. Learn what you can do to make your home unattractive to rats. It is our shared goal, both as a Town and as a community, to work together to mitigate the population of rodents in Holbrook. This is a continuous process that will be most successful as a community effort.

What Should I Do?

See a rat in your neighborhood? Report a rodent sighting. This will help us track pest control issues and trends

SEE CHART IN ATTACHMENT AT THE BOTTOM

For professional advice and/or possible treatment options, contact a licensed pest control company. Many offer a free consultation.

If you rent, talk with your landlord.

Ask around and talk to neighbors for referrals and recommendations.

A good company will:

Inspect your property before giving a quote.

Give you a detailed written report and action plan personalized to your property and your needs.

Make referrals for structural repair.

Revisit and re-evaluate until your pest problem is gone.

Educate you on how to prevent rats in the future.

How to dispose of dead rats?

Disposing of dead rats is important for the health and safety of people, their pets, and wildlife. To properly dispose of a dead rat:

Put on protective gloves Place the rat in 2 plastic bags and throw away in the regular trash

Wash your hands thoroughly

What can I do to prevent rats from coming on to my property?

Pick up animal feces: rats eat dog and cat feces so be sure to pick up after your animals

Birdseed: Keep birdseed under control and in the feeder as much as possible. Rats are drawn to birdseed on the ground.

Tree fruit: Pick up fallen tree fruit.

Trash: Rats will climb into open cans and root through trash on the ground. Tie up trash bags and store them in covered containers until they can be disposed of properly.Replace any garbage containers that have holes.

Grills: Keep grills and grilling areas clean and clear of food waste.

Compost piles: Compost piles that are not properly contained provide food to rats. Make sure your compost is maintained and securely covered.

Yard waste and building materials: Make sure your yard is maintained and that yard waste is properly disposed of in yard bags. Stack building materials, lumber and firewood at least 12 inches above the ground.

Cover openings: Don't give rats a place to live. Cover openings that are greater that 1/2 inch in diameter with concrete, sheet metal or wire mesh.

What do you think is causing the increase in rat sightings?

The most scientific explanation and plausible cause is related to the shorter and warmer winters we have had in recent years. Rats are typically less active during the colder parts of the year and are less likely to breed. With a warmer winter, they can breed more and have more offspring that will eventually increase the size of the population we see during the summer and fall.

Additional reasons for increased in rat sightings may include:

Construction - excavation disrupting their below ground habitat

Lack of natural predators such as coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey, due to ever expanding development and decreasing green spaces.