HOW TO PREVENT AND REMOVE RODENTS
Rodent infestation is a biohazard and a public health and safety problem. Rats and mice can spread diseases to humans through their droppings, bites and scratches, contaminated food, or even the air. Rodents can also damage electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire and damage to walls and ventilation units.
If you suspect you have rodents in your home, camp, or where you handle food, it is important to take action to seal up your place and trap the rodents.
Iyaakwaamimaauwinh – Warning signs of rodents:
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Droppings — Rodent excrements (poops) or urine stains are common in cabinets, drawers, and other areas out of plain sight. Rodent excrements are dark brown or black, pointed at one end and often contain hair. They are usually about the size of a grain of rice, but rat droppings can be larger.
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Tracks — Rodent footprints can be easily identified in dusty areas.
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Noise – Scratching sounds in your walls are a sign of infestation and may affect your sleep at night.
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Chew marks — Rodents will bite on and damage many materials such as boxes, insulation, wiring and other construction materials.
Rodents can spread disease to humans and increase the risk infrastructure damage and fire.
Salmonella and hantaviruses are two diseases carried by rodents that can cause illnesses and sometimes death. People with pre-existing health conditions who may come in contact with droppings should be particularly cautious.
If you notice rodents or signs of rodents in an area where food is handled, you may submit a complaint: MAPAQ Complain form
DID YOU KNOW?
Aapikushiish (mouse) can fit through the hole the width of a pencil.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE RODENTS
- Fix and secure all potential entry points for rodents (e.g. windows, garage doors, holes in the flooring – especially in old buildings). Mice can fit through very small holes.
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Declutter outdoors to reduce the chances of rodents nesting close by.
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Put any food – including open packages, bulk goods, and pet food – in closed containers made of hard plastic, metal or glass.
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Inspect regularly for signs of rodent activity (urine, poops, chew marks).
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Install traps. Learn about different types of rodent traps so you can select the appropriate model for your situation.
- Using poison like pesticides to kill rodents is not recommended. If you use pesticide, the help of a pest control specialist trained and certified is recommended. Make sure the product has been approved by Health Canada by verifying the Pest Control Products (PCP) number on the label.
Iyaakwaamiikw – What to do if you are a food provider
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Food packaging that is not intact or that has been chewed on must be discarded and cannot be eaten or sold.
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Food contact surfaces should be cleaned with soap and sanitized with a bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach for 1 liter of water) every morning.
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No food products that are not in closed containers made of hard plastic, metal or glass should be touching the floor.
To clean rat or mouse droppings (urine or poop) you need:
- plastic gloves
- bleach
- water
- a spray bottle
- paper towels or rags
- plastic bags
- a dust mask like N95 or KN95 (optional)
If you are travelling to your camp, it is useful to bring these with you.
Cleaning tips:
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Never sweep or vacuum dry poop. The dust that is raised can cause illnesses. You may put on a mask (N95, KN95) to protect yourself when cleaning.
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Put on plastic gloves and spray with bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach for 1 liter of water). Let the area soak for 5 minutes.
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Use paper towels to wipe up the urine/poop. Throw it away in a covered garbage can that is regularly emptied.
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Mop or sponge the area with a disinfectant or a bleach solution.
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Wash gloved hands with soap and water. Remove gloves and wash hands again. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
Follow these steps to dispose of a dead rodent safely:
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Using plastic gloves and bleach solution (1 teaspoon of bleach for 1 liter of water), spray the dead rodent, trap (if there is one), and surroundings. Wait 5 minutes to let the area soak.
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Place the dead rodent and used trap in a plastic bag, then seal it inside a second plastic bag.
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Throw the tied bag into a covered garbage can that is regularly emptied.
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Wash gloved hands with soap and water. Remove gloves and wash hands again. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
Iyaakwaamiikw (be cautious), you can prevent a mice or rat infestation at home, at camp or anywhere where food is provided.
Act quickly if you have iyaakwaamimaauwinh (warning signs) of rodent problem to protect your home and family.
Check food for signs of going bad, even if it was stored in the fridge and there were no power outages at your home. Also check if any foods were exposed to ash or smoke residue. Discard food and…
Clean your camp to stay healthy.
