It’s that time of year where rats and rodents rear their heads in and around Maritime buildings. “We find we get a good uptick in rodent activity anytime the weather changes,” says Jesse Roach, owner of Nova Pest Solutions. “They’re going to start running out of their natural food sources on the outside, like different kinds of seeds that have already come and gone, insects and things like that. They’re going to be looking for a new, warm home.” Roach says step one is getting rid of any hiding spots in your yard. “Maybe it’s just a pile of leftover construction material that’s behind a shed. Maybe it’s like leftover decorations that are just stored outside,” he says. “When you’re closing up your barbecue and your food stuff for the season, make sure you’re not leaving greasy food scents outside. Anything you could do to reduce them wanting to come to your house because they smell food.” Roach also says rodents like to cling to water sources. “I’ve seen it a lot where it’s your summer tires, you put them behind your shed and then they hold water, and then all of a sudden, you’ve got a rodent issue in your shed that started because the water was there.” He says most people can do an inspection on their own with a handheld mirror and check their foundation for small cracks and holes. He adds people should see professional help “right away” if the situation gets worse. “If they’re already in your attic or if they’re already damaging food stuff in your home, it’s probably time to call somebody.”
