Keep your buildings rodent-free this winter

Rats and mice often try to enter large residential and commercial buildings for protection against the cold, harsh weather. Winter is around the corner, so you should start to rodent-proof your buildings now. After all, you definitely do not want rats and mice as rent-free tenants. The first step is to conduct basement inspections. Search for any openings through which rodents can enter the buildings, such as broken concrete floors, cracks in the walls, missing weather stripping around entrance doors and open or broken windows. A young rodent only needs half an inch of space in order to gain entry. The second step is to eliminate nesting sites in your buildings. Rodents usually have a litter of young in early autumn, and like other mammals, they are attracted to nesting sites that are in close proximity to food, water, and shelter. You can easily eliminate these sites by utilizing proper sanitation management methods, such as covering garbage containers and removing any debris that has fallen to the ground. You should also make certain that your tenants are not propping open the doors. Inspect your buildings to make sure that there are no nesting sites before a litter is entrenched. The third step is to arrange for your maintenance staff to receive rodent identification training. There are 2,277 species of rodents, but in New York City, you will typically find rats and mice. Train your superintendents to be familiar with the signs of a rodent infestation, such as droppings, rub marks, disturbed bait stations and torn garbage bags. Any findings should be reported immediately to your pest control company so that they can treat the infestation before it spreads. If you prepare your buildings in advance, it is less likely you will experience an infestation this winter. Call Metro Pest Control, Inc. at (718) 803-0000 to receive a free inspection brochure, while supplies last. More information about preventing pest infestations is available at www.metropestcontrol.com. Ben Weisel is the president of Metro Pest Control, Glendale, N.Y.