Controlling Rodents After a Flood

Flooding displaces many rodents from their natural habitat. As a result, these animals are seeking areas that can provide food and shelter, such as homes, sheds, barns and other buildings.

Structures damaged by the floods are particularly attractive and provide easy access to rodents. The unwelcome pests can damage property and, in extreme cases, pose a potential health problem.

Rats and mice

As soon as possible, remove all debris that could provide protective cover for rodents from around homes and buildings.
Keep lawn and field vegetation mowed low to eliminate protective cover.
Remove potential food sources, such as household trash, waste grain or other foods.
Close openings into building, such as around water pipes, electrical wires, vents and doors, with 1/8-inch mesh hardware cloth or sheet metal.
Use bait stations and registered toxicant baits.
(MU Extension publication G9444, Bait Stations for Controlling Rats and Mice http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/wildlife/g09444.htm)
Use snap traps baited with bacon rind, peanut butter and oatmeal or oatmeal paste to capture nuisance rats and mice. Check traps daily.

Squirrels

Trim trees to prevent squirrels from jumping onto roofs.
Prevent squirrels from traveling along wires to houses and buildings by installing 2-foot sections of lightweight plastic pipe 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Slit pipe lengthwise, spread open and place over wire. The pipe will rotate on the wire and cause traveling squirrels to fall.
Close openings to attics and eaves with heavy 1/2-inch wire mesh or sheet metal.
In closed attics, naphthalene (mothballs) may work as a temporary repellent. Use 1 to 2 pounds spread evenly throughout the attic; greater amounts may be needed for large spaces.
(MU Extension publication G9455, Tree Squirrels: Managing Habitat and Controlling Damage http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/wildlife/g09455.htm)

Traps, including No. 0 or 1 leghold traps, box traps and cage traps, can be used to catch squirrels. Regular rat-size traps will catch flying squirrels. Good baits: apples, cracked corn, pecans removed from the shell, peanut butter and sunflower seeds. Because squirrels are game animals, check with wildlife conservation agents in your area before placing traps for squirrels.

For more information, contact the University of Missouri Extension center in your county, or call 573-882-7477.

Robert A. Pierce II PierceR@missouri.edu
Extension fish and wildlife specialist
University of Missouri-Columbia

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Posted 12/12/07