If you have rats around your house, it doesn’t mean your property is dirty but it likely means that you are providing a food source for them and have spaces they can use for shelter.

Remove food sources

• Do not store garbage outside; if you live in an area that does not use garbage bins, do not place garbage at the curb before 6 a.m. on your collection day
• Do not store pet food, bird feed or lawn seed outside
• Compost properly – do not add fish or meat to backyard compost bins, and ensure the contents are damp

Remove potential shelters

• Remove tall grass, weeds and vegetation next your house or fence
• Remove lumber, rock piles, garbage, building materials and similar items
• Do not enclose the base of patios and raised stairwells with board, lattice or screens; rats are attracted to small spaces to feel protected. If a space is small enough for rodents to access, but not for their predators such as cats and dogs, they will make it their home

Did you know feeding birds attracts rodents?

The City’s Residential Property Standards By-Law states that a resident may feed songbirds only on their own property with the use of a bird feeder. Bird feeders must be kept free of wet or spoiled food and cleaned and disinfected regularly. Up to two feeders are permitted except on residential lots that are larger than 465 square meters, in which case one additional bird feeder is allowed. Feeding birds by throwing feed on the ground attracts rodents and is not permitted. Any food or other waste on the ground of a residential property should be removed and disposed of immediately.

If you suspect a rodent problem on City owned land, or are experiencing a problem with rodents from a neighbouring property, report it to Access St. John’s - call 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489), email access@stjohns.ca or use the 311 app. For more information visit our Pest Control page.