Controlling Rodents After Flooding

1. Rats and other rodents often move into buildings to escape flood waters. Rats can carry disease and small vermin. They should be eliminated as soon as possible.

2. Because of the danger of rat infestation, use caution when entering flooded buildings. Carry a solid club and a flashlight. Inspect likely hiding places for rats. Check closets, furniture, drawers, mattresses, stacks of clothes or paper, appliances, upholstered furniture, dark corners, attics and basements. Be extremely careful when approaching rats. A starving rat can be dangerous.

3. Eliminate rat populations by poisoning rats that can't be destroyed by clubbing or trapping. Use rat control measures as recommended by your county Extension agent. Be extremely careful when using rat poison or bait, especially if there are children in the house.

4. After infestation has been controlled, clean up rat harboring places. (Rats may move into buildings when their hiding places are removed .) Remove trash piles and piles of damaged furniture or equipment. Store materials on platforms or shelves 1 to 18 inches above the ground.

5. Remove food sources. Store food supplies in rat-proof bins or containers. Suspend garbage containers from trees or posts. Remove animal carcasses which may attract rats. Do not leave scraps of food around.

6. Maintain several permanent rat bait stations in strategic locations, even after rat infestation has been controlled. This should eliminate rats that can migrate from neighboring areas, and will help prevent another infestation. Inspect baits frequently and replace them with fresh material whenever necessary.

7. If you are bitten by a rat, take the rat to your local health authorities or a veterinarian. The animal should be checked for rabies.