How to Prevent Rats

Rats pose major risks! Use science-based rodent prevention and extermination to safeguard your family’s health and safety.At night, faint rustling sounds drift from the kitchen. A small, grayish-brown figure suddenly scurries across the corner. Holes appear in the grain sacks stored in the pantry… These scenes may all signal that an unwelcome guest has “invaded” your home—a rat. Rats not only steal food and damage furniture but also carry various pathogens, posing serious threats to family health and home safety. This comprehensive guide addresses rat hazards, detection methods, scientific prevention and extermination techniques, and common misconceptions to help you eliminate rat problems once and for all.

I. Rats: More Than Just Food Thieves—A Dual Threat to Health and Safety

When people think of rats, the first thing that comes to mind is often “stealing things.” But in reality, the harm caused by rats extends far beyond that. As common household pests, rats reproduce rapidly and roam widely. They can spread diseases, damage property, and even cause safety incidents—making them a serious concern that demands vigilance.

1. Disease Transmission: Rats as “Mobile Reservoirs of Pathogens”

Rats constantly traverse filthy environments like sewers, garbage dumps, and dark corners, carrying vast quantities of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They spread diseases through contact, excrement, saliva, and other means, posing significant risks to human health.

① Plague: The most widely recognized disease transmitted by rats, caused by Yersinia pestis, has triggered multiple global pandemics. Infected individuals experience high fever, swollen and painful lymph nodes, coughing up blood, and other symptoms. The mortality rate is extremely high; even with modern medical care, untreated cases remain life-threatening.

② Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): Caused by Hantavirus, with rodents (especially the striped field mouse) as the primary reservoir. The virus contaminates food, water, or air through rodent urine, feces, or saliva, leading to human infection upon exposure. Patients exhibit fever, hemorrhaging, and kidney damage, with severe cases resulting in shock or renal failure.

③ Leptospirosis: Leptospira bacteria carried by rodents can infect humans through contaminated water or soil. Infected individuals develop high fever, headache, body aches, and jaundice. If the liver or kidneys are affected, chronic disease may result.

④ Parasitic Infections: Rodents often carry parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks. These parasites can enter homes with rodents and, upon biting humans, may transmit diseases such as plague and typhus. They can also cause skin irritations like itching and redness.

Additionally, rodent excrement (feces, urine) and secretions contaminate food, utensils, and household items. Accidental ingestion of contaminated food can easily cause gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

2. Property Damage: From furniture to electrical wiring, rodents gnaw on virtually everything.

Rodents’ teeth grow extremely rapidly (approximately 12 cm annually). To prevent overgrown teeth from hindering feeding, they constantly gnaw on various objects, causing significant damage to household belongings.

① Furniture and household items: Rodents gnaw on wardrobes, sofas, wooden doors, books, clothing, etc., leaving dense bite marks that damage furniture and tear garments. If grain, dried goods, or snacks are stored at home, rodents will chew through packaging to steal food and defecate in it, rendering the items inedible.

② Wires and Pipes: Rodents gnawing on electrical wire insulation and plastic pipes poses the greatest danger. Damaged wires can cause short circuits and ignite fires. Bitten gas lines or water pipes may leak, resulting in financial losses and endangering lives. Statistics indicate that approximately 30% of unexplained fires worldwide are linked to rodent-damaged wiring.

③ Structural Damage: Rodents burrow through walls, floors, and ceilings to build nests, compromising a building’s structural integrity. Older homes, in particular, face risks like wall cracks and floor collapses after prolonged rodent infestation.

3. Psychological Impact: Rodent Presence Triggers Anxiety and Fear

For most people, the appearance and activities of rodents cause psychological distress. Hearing nocturnal rodent noises or discovering daytime traces and droppings can induce nausea, anxiety, and even sleep disruption. Households with elderly members, children, or individuals with rodent phobias may experience heightened tension, reluctance to stay home alone, and severe disruption to daily life.​

II. How to Detect Mice in Your Home? 5 Obvious Signs to Watch For

Mice are cunning creatures that prefer nocturnal activity and excel at hiding, often making them difficult to spot directly. However, with careful observation, you can identify their presence through these 5 telltale signs and take timely preventive measures.

1. Mouse Droppings: The Most Obvious “Evidence”

Mouse droppings are typically black or brown, spindle-shaped or elongated oval, with size varying by species (house mouse droppings measure about 0.5-0.8 cm, while brown rat droppings are approximately 1-1.5 cm). Rat droppings tend to cluster in areas of rodent activity, such as kitchen corners, beneath cabinets, storage rooms, near trash bins, and in wall crevices. Fresh droppings (darker in color and softer in texture) indicate ongoing rodent activity, while lighter-colored, harder droppings likely date from earlier infestations.

2. Gnaw Marks: Evidence of Rodent “Teeth Grinding”

As mentioned earlier, rodents constantly gnaw on objects. Fresh gnaw marks in your home strongly suggest rodent presence. Common locations include: food packaging, snack bags, cardboard boxes, the bottom edges of wooden doors, electrical wiring insulation, plastic containers, and furniture edges. Fresh bite marks typically have rough edges and a lighter color (unoxidized); older marks have smooth edges and a darker color. If bite marks are found on electrical wires or gas pipes, immediately inspect for safety hazards and replace or repair them promptly.

3. Activity Traces: The Mouse’s “Trail of Clues”

Mice leave various traces during their activities. In addition to droppings and bite marks, these include:

① Footprints and tail marks: Mice leave distinct footprints (four toes on front paws, five on hind paws) on damp surfaces like kitchen or bathroom floors, sometimes accompanied by tail marks (lines formed by dragging tails). If you suspect rodents in your home, sprinkle a thin layer of flour or talcum powder in areas where they might travel. Check for footprints the next day.

② Grease Marks: Rodents secrete oils from their bodies. When traveling along fixed routes (e.g., near corners or pipes), they leave dark brown grease marks on surfaces they contact, often forming distinct trails (rodents prefer moving along walls and pipes, creating “runways”).

③ Nests and debris: Mice build nests using soft materials like shredded paper, fabric, hair, or straw. If you find piles of such debris with a distinct “nest-like” structure in wardrobe corners, under beds, wall crevices, or storage boxes, it’s likely a mouse nest.

4. Sounds: Don’t ignore nighttime “rustling noises”

Rodents are most active at night (10 PM to 4 AM), when homes are quieter and their movements are easier to hear. Common sounds include: the “gnawing” sound of furniture or wires being chewed; and the “thudding” of items falling from heights (like food or nesting materials being moved). Hearing these sounds consistently over several nights indicates a potential infestation.

5. Odor: The Distinctive “Rodent Smell”

Rodents emit a distinctive, pungent odor, particularly pronounced in areas where they frequently move or build nests. This smell resembles a combination of “musty and fishy” and is difficult to eliminate completely through cleaning. If you detect an unusual, foul odor in a specific area of your home, especially when accompanied by other signs like droppings or gnaw marks, rodents are likely present.​

III. Scientific Rodent Prevention and Extermination: Step-by-Step Approach from Source Prevention to Targeted Eradication

The core principle of rodent control is “prevention first, extermination second”—first disrupt rodent access and survival conditions through environmental modifications, then combine physical and chemical methods to eliminate rodents already inside the home, and finally implement long-term safeguards to prevent re-entry.

1. Source Prevention: Seal Entry Points and Eliminate Habitats

To prevent rodents from entering homes, it is crucial to seal all potential entry points and eliminate their “food sources” and “habitats,” ensuring rodents “cannot enter, cannot stay, and cannot feed.”

(1) Seal Entry Points: Eliminate Opportunities for Rodents

Rodents have flexible bodies and can squeeze through tiny gaps (house mice can pass through 0.6 cm openings, while brown rats can squeeze through 1.2 cm gaps). Thoroughly inspect all cracks and holes in your home and seal them individually.

① External Access Points: Inspect doors, windows, walls, and pipe connections to walls, such as:

Door/Window Gaps: If the gap between the door bottom and floor exceeds 0.3 cm, install a rodent-proof plate (minimum height 60 cm, made of metal or hard plastic). Replace broken window glass promptly. Choose window screens with high mesh count (18 mesh or higher) to prevent rodents from chewing through. Wall Gaps: Seal cracks and holes in walls, corners, and ceilings with cement, plaster, or metal mesh. Install metal protective screens (with apertures no larger than 0.5 cm) over exterior air conditioning vents and range hood exhaust ports to prevent rodents from entering through pipes.

Pipe gaps: Seal connections between water pipes, gas lines, electrical conduits, and walls/floors using fireproof putty, sealant, or metal sleeves. Pay special attention to pipes in kitchens and bathrooms.

② Internal pathways: Inspect gaps between interior walls, floors, furniture, and the ground, such as:

– Seal gaps between cabinets and walls/floors with sealant.

– For gaps larger than 0.5 cm under wardrobes or bookshelves, place metal or hard plastic panels underneath.

– Fill floor gaps and gaps between baseboards and walls with grout or sealant. For older homes with gaps beneath flooring, install metal mesh underneath to prevent rodent activity.

(2) Environmental Control: Deprive rodents of food and shelter

Rodents require food and shelter to survive. Maintaining a clean household environment by removing food scraps and clutter is crucial for prevention.

① Kitchen Cleaning: As the primary gathering spot for rodents, kitchens require:

Sealed Food Storage: Store grains (rice, flour, cereals), dried goods (beans, nuts), snacks, etc., in lidded glass jars, metal containers, or airtight plastic boxes. Avoid cardboard boxes or plastic bags (easily chewed through). Refrigerate fruits and vegetables promptly; avoid leaving them on countertops for extended periods.

Promptly Clean Up Residues: Clear dishes immediately after meals and wipe down countertops and floors to prevent food residue buildup. Use covered trash bins, empty them daily to avoid overnight accumulation, and position bins away from kitchen entrances.

Perform deep cleaning regularly: At least once a week, clean hard-to-reach areas like under cabinets, beneath the refrigerator, and inside the range hood to remove grease and food debris, eliminating potential food sources for rodents.

② Whole-House Cleaning:

Avoid clutter buildup: Keep storage rooms, balconies, garages, and similar areas free of cardboard boxes, old clothing, newspapers, and other debris (rodents prefer nesting in such materials). Store items in categorized, lidded storage containers placed away from walls.

Regular Room Maintenance: Weekly cleaning removes dust and debris from floors. Wash and air-dry clothing and bedding regularly to prevent nesting or droppings.

Outdoor Areas: If your home has a yard or balcony, clear weeds, fallen leaves, and trash to prevent rodents from nesting outdoors and entering your home. Secure lids on outdoor trash bins and avoid discarding food scraps outside.​

2. Scientific Rodent Control: Select Appropriate Methods Based on Scenarios, Prioritizing Safety

If rodents are detected in your home, prompt extermination measures are essential. Common rodent control methods include physical and chemical approaches, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Selection should consider household factors such as the presence of elderly individuals, children, or pets to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

(1) Physical Rodent Control: Safe with no residue, suitable for households with sensitive individuals

Physical methods capture or kill rodents using mechanical devices without chemicals, offering high safety for homes with elderly, children, pregnant women, or pets. Common tools include mouse traps, glue boards, and electronic rodent traps.

① Mouse Traps:

Select traps sized for the rodent species (small traps for house mice, larger ones for brown rats). Ensure the trap door is sensitive to prevent escape.

Bait Selection: Use strongly scented foods preferred by rodents, such as peanut butter, sausage, cheese, or fried snacks (avoid grain-based baits, which may attract birds or insects). Place the bait near the trigger mechanism to ensure rodent contact activates the door closure.

Placement: Position the trap along rodent pathways—corners, under cabinets, storage room entrances—with the entrance facing the direction rodents approach. Avoid frequent relocation after placement to prevent startling rodents.

Follow-up: If a mouse is caught, dispose of it promptly (recommended methods include releasing it in a remote, non-residential area or boiling it to death; avoid direct hand contact and wash hands thoroughly with disinfectant afterward). If no mouse is caught within 2-3 days, replace the bait or adjust the placement location.

② Glue Traps:

Select glue traps with strong adhesive properties and large surface area (preferably thickened types to prevent escape). Do not remove the protective film before use to maintain adhesive effectiveness.

Placement Method: Unfold the glue board and position it in areas where rodents are active, such as kitchen corners, the bottom of wardrobes, or near electrical wires. Place a small amount of bait (e.g., peanut butter) in the center of the glue board to attract rodents. If pets are present, place the glue board where they cannot access it (e.g., on high surfaces or inside closed cabinets) to prevent accidental ingestion or entanglement.

Precautions: Once a mouse is trapped, avoid direct hand contact. Use tongs to transfer the board and mouse into a sealed plastic bag for disposal. If no mouse is caught, relocate the board every 1-2 days to maintain adhesive effectiveness.

③ Electronic Mouse Trap:

Operates by electrocuting rodents with high voltage, suitable for indoor use with no environmental pollution.

Usage: Connect the trap to power, place bait inside, then position it in rodent activity areas. Ensure clear surroundings and keep out of reach of children and pets (prioritize models with accidental activation prevention).

Follow-up: When a mouse is captured, the device may emit an alert sound (on some models). Immediately disconnect the power, use tongs to remove the mouse, place it in a sealed bag for disposal, then wipe the interior with alcohol to disinfect before reuse.

(2) Chemical Rodent Control: Highly effective and rapid, but requires strict safety precautions.

Chemical rodent control uses rodenticides (primarily anticoagulant rodenticides) to eliminate rodents. While highly effective and fast-acting, rodenticides are toxic. Improper use may lead to accidental poisoning of humans or pets. Therefore, strictly follow usage guidelines and exercise caution during operation.

① Select certified rodenticides:

When purchasing, select rodenticides with the “three certificates” (production license, product quality certificate, pesticide registration certificate). Avoid unlabeled, unbranded “three-no” rodenticides. Prioritize anticoagulant rodenticides (e.g., bromadiolone, difenacoum), which have relatively lower toxicity and specific antidotes (vitamin K1). If accidentally ingested, prompt medical attention can be sought. ​

Avoid purchasing acute rodenticides (e.g., apoxanthoside, fluoroacetamide). These highly toxic baits lack specific antidotes, and ingesting rodents may frantically move around before dying, potentially causing secondary poisoning (e.g., pets accidentally consuming dead rodents).​

② Proper Placement of Rodenticides:

Placement Locations: Position rodenticides in areas frequented by rodents (e.g., near concentrated droppings, gnaw marks, or wall crevices), but keep them out of reach of children and pets (e.g., high cabinet shelves, enclosed storage corners, or near rodent burrows within walls). Place rodenticides in metal or plastic containers, leaving only a small opening for rodents to access, preventing accidental contact.

Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage on the product label without exceeding it (overdosing may alert rodents to refuse consumption). Place 2-3 grams per location, spacing stations 1-2 meters apart. Replenish bait promptly if consumption is observed.​

③Safety Precautions:

Wear gloves during handling to avoid direct skin contact with rodenticide. Wash hands immediately after placement and refrain from rubbing eyes or touching mouth/nose with bare hands.

When children or pets are present, avoid chemical rodenticides whenever possible. If use is necessary, maintain constant supervision. Instruct children not to touch rodenticides. Keep pets leashed or confined in cages to prevent accidental ingestion.

If a family member or pet accidentally ingests rodenticide, immediately take the product packaging to a hospital. Do not induce vomiting yourself (some rodenticides may worsen harm if vomited).

After ingesting rodenticide, rats typically die within 3-7 days. Before death, they may exhibit symptoms like sluggishness or convulsions. If you find a dead rat at home, use tongs to pick it up, place it in a sealed bag for disposal, and avoid direct contact. Disinfect the area promptly after handling.

3. Follow-up Protection: Implement these 3 steps after rodent extermination to prevent reinfestation.

Even after successfully eliminating rodents, new ones may enter without proper follow-up measures. To reinforce control effectiveness, implement these 3 steps:

① Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection: Wipe down floors, furniture, tableware, and household items with chlorine-based disinfectants (e.g., 84 Disinfectant) or alcohol, especially in areas frequented by rodents (like kitchens and storage rooms). Remove rodent droppings, secretions, and odors to prevent residual scents from attracting new rodents.

② Regularly inspect entry points: Weekly check all sealed gaps, protective screens, and rodent barriers in your home. Repair any damage or loose sections promptly to prevent re-entry.

③ Maintain a clean environment: Consistently perform daily cleaning, store food in sealed containers, dispose of trash promptly, and avoid clutter accumulation. Eliminate rodent breeding conditions at the source to sustain a long-term “rodent-free environment.”​

IV. Common Misconceptions in Rodent Control: These “Wrong Moves” Are Not Only Ineffective but Potentially Dangerous

During rodent control efforts, many people resort to various “folk remedies” or incorrect methods. Not only do these fail to effectively eliminate rodents, but they can also endanger health and cause safety incidents. Below are three common rodent control misconceptions that must be avoided.

1. Misconception 1: Directly Handling Live or Dead Rodents After Using “Food Bait”

After capturing rodents with traps or glue boards, many people handle them directly with bare hands or dispose of dead rodents without protection. This practice is extremely dangerous:

Rodents carry numerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Direct contact may allow pathogens to enter the body through skin wounds or mucous membranes, causing infections. If the rodent is not fully dead, it may bite or scratch, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Correct Procedure: When handling live or dead rodents, always wear gloves (disposable rubber or latex gloves are recommended). Use tools like tongs or tweezers to remove the rodent, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and dispose of it in a trash bin (live rodents should be released outdoors if possible; dead rodents must be sealed before disposal). After handling, immediately remove gloves, wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water, then disinfect with alcohol. Gloves and tools must also be thoroughly disinfected (by soaking or wiping with disinfectant).

2. Misconception 2: Believing “few rodents require special control”

Some households encounter only 1-2 rodents and assume “small numbers pose minimal harm,” dismissing the need for targeted control. This is incorrect:

Rats reproduce extremely rapidly. A single female can produce 4-8 litters annually, each yielding 4-10 offspring. Young rats reach sexual maturity within 3-4 months and begin breeding. Without timely intervention, 1-2 rats can multiply into dozens within six months, creating a full-blown infestation. This not only makes eradication far more difficult but also poses severe health and safety risks.

Moreover, even a small number of rodents can spread diseases and damage property. Their gnawing on electrical wires and gas pipes, in particular, may trigger serious accidents like fires or gas leaks—a threat that cannot be taken lightly.

Correct Approach: Upon detecting rodents in your home, regardless of their number, immediately implement control measures. Begin with environmental cleanup and sealing entry points, then combine physical or chemical methods for extermination to prevent mass reproduction.

3. Misconception Three: Placing rodenticides in conspicuous locations or mixing them with food

Some individuals place rodenticides on kitchen counters, dining tables, near children’s toys, or even alongside food and utensils to make them more visible to rodents. This practice is extremely dangerous:

Children and pets lack awareness of the dangers posed by rodenticides and may mistake them for food, leading to accidental ingestion. Even adults may inadvertently come into contact with rodenticides while handling food or consume food contaminated by rodenticides, resulting in poisoning incidents.

Correct practice: Rodenticides must be stored in concealed locations inaccessible to children and pets (e.g., high cabinets, locked storage rooms, near wall rodent holes), maintaining sufficient distance from food, utensils, toys, etc. When using rodenticides, place them in dedicated bait stations or wrap them in paper (exposing a small amount of bait) to prevent direct contact with air and other items.​

V. Scenario-Specific Rodent Control Techniques: Homes, Commercial Spaces, and Outdoors for Targeted Solutions

Different environments and rodent activity patterns require tailored prevention strategies. Below are rodent control techniques for three common settings—homes, commercial spaces, and outdoors—to address diverse needs.

1. Home Rodent Control: Focus on Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Storage Areas

Homes are prime entry points for rodents, particularly kitchens (food sources), bathrooms (moisture), and storage rooms (clutter). Prioritize protection in these areas:

① Kitchen:

Install rodent-proof plates: Mount metal plates at least 60 cm high beneath kitchen doors to block entry through gaps. Fit windows with metal screens to prevent rodent access.

Seal food: Store all food items (including snacks and condiments) in airtight containers with lids. Use ceramic or metal containers for rice and flour storage; avoid plastic buckets or cardboard boxes. Tightly seal liquid condiments like cooking oil and soy sauce after each use.

Regular cleaning: Dispose of kitchen waste daily. Weekly clean cabinets, refrigerator bottoms, and range hoods with disinfectant to remove grease and food residue. Do not store old cardboard boxes, newspapers, or other clutter in the kitchen to prevent rodents from nesting.

② Bathroom:

Seal Gaps: Select rodent-proof floor drains (e.g., deep water seal drains, metal mesh drains) to prevent rodents from entering through sewer lines. Keep toilet lids closed after use to prevent rodents from entering through the toilet.

Keep Dry: Maintain ventilation and dryness in the bathroom. Wipe floors dry promptly after bathing to prevent standing water. Regularly clear hair and debris from sink and bathtub drains to avoid blockages that attract rodents.

Disinfect Regularly: Clean bathroom floors, walls, and toilets weekly with disinfectant to eliminate rodent droppings and odors, deterring new infestations.

③ Storage Room:

Store Items: Keep storage room items (clothing, books, bedding) in lidded plastic storage bins. Avoid piling cardboard boxes or plastic bags. Elevate storage bins off walls and floors (use shelves) to prevent rodents from burrowing underneath.

Seal rodent holes: Inspect walls and floors for rodent holes. Seal any found with cement or metal mesh. Install metal protective screens over vents with mesh openings no larger than 0.5 cm.

Regular inspections: Check stored items monthly for bite marks or rodent droppings. Take immediate extermination measures if abnormalities are found.

2. Commercial Premises Rodent Control: Tailored Approaches for Restaurants, Warehouses, and Supermarkets

Commercial spaces (especially restaurants, warehouses, and supermarkets) attract rodents due to abundant food sources, high foot traffic, and dense goods storage. Implement rodent prevention strategies tailored to each industry:

① Restaurants:

Ingredient Management: Store ingredients on shelves at least 15 cm above the floor in sealed containers. Keep raw and cooked ingredients separate to prevent cross-contamination. Daily kitchen waste removal: Empty covered trash bins outside the premises daily to prevent overnight accumulation.

Environmental hygiene: Clean kitchens and dining areas daily, ensuring floors and countertops are free of food residue.

Monthly cleaning of range hoods and exhaust ducts to prevent grease buildup that attracts rodents.

Regularly unclog drains and install rodent-proof screens to block sewer access.

Equipment Protection: Regularly clean the bottoms and backs of refrigerators and freezers to prevent debris buildup. Cover electrical wires and gas pipes with metal sleeves to deter rodent chewing. If rodents are spotted during business hours, avoid using rodenticides (to prevent hidden carcasses causing odors). Use mouse traps or glue boards instead, disposing of them after closing.

② Warehouse:

Goods Storage:

Store goods by category, elevated at least 30 cm off the floor and away from walls. Maintain clear pathways for inspection and cleaning. Do not store non-inventory items (e.g., old cardboard boxes, discarded equipment) in the warehouse to prevent rodent nesting.

Pathway Sealing:

Install metal protective screens and rodent-proof boards on warehouse doors and windows. Fit ventilation openings and exhaust fans with metal mesh filters. Seal gaps in pipes and electrical conduits connecting the warehouse to the outside with fireproof putty or sealant to prevent rodent entry.

Regular Inspections: Conduct daily warehouse inspections to check for bite marks on goods, rodent droppings, and signs of rodent activity on the floor. Perform a thorough weekly cleaning of the warehouse and a monthly inspection of rodent-proofing facilities to ensure protective measures remain effective.​

③ Supermarket:

Food Section Protection: Regularly clean shelves holding snacks, grains, oils, dried goods, and other food items to prevent food crumbs from falling. Store bulk foods in transparent, lidded containers that are replaced daily to prevent rodent access. Periodically inspect the undersides of shelves for rodent droppings or gnaw marks.

Warehouse Management: Store goods off the floor and away from walls in sealed containers to prevent rodent foraging. Install electronic mouse traps or glue boards in warehouses, checking and replacing them regularly. Do not store expired food in warehouses; promptly remove goods with damaged packaging.

Public Areas: Clean supermarket aisles, restrooms, and checkout counters daily. Use covered trash bins and empty them promptly. Regularly inspect ceiling and wall crevices; seal any rodent holes immediately upon discovery.

3. Outdoor Rodent Prevention: Reduce rodent “entry points” in courtyards, balconies, and drainage systems.

Outdoor environments (e.g., courtyards, balconies, drainage systems) serve as “stepping stones” for rodents entering buildings. Effective outdoor prevention significantly reduces indoor infestation risk:

① Yards:

Clear debris: Avoid accumulating weeds, fallen leaves, or trash in yards. Do not store items like old tires or plastic barrels that can collect water (preventing rodents from nesting inside). Elevate flower pots or install metal mesh at the bottom to prevent rodents from burrowing into them.

Food Management: Do not discard food scraps carelessly in the yard. Promptly clean up pet food to prevent prolonged exposure outdoors. If using bird feeders, choose rodent-proof models and clean them regularly to avoid food debris attracting rodents.

Structure Protection: Seal any gaps in garden walls or fences with metal mesh. Install rodent-proof screens on drains and gutters, and clear them regularly to prevent water accumulation. Place mouse traps (baited with peanut butter) in the garden and check them periodically to capture outdoor rodents.

② Balcony:

Debris Clearance: Avoid piling cardboard boxes, old clothing, or discarded furniture on balconies. Store items in sealed containers. Regularly inspect flower pots for signs of rodent activity (e.g., droppings, gnaw marks).

Sealing Protection: Install screens and rodent-proof panels on balcony doors and windows. For open balconies, add metal mesh to railings to prevent climbing entry. Seal gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps between the balcony and interior doors/walls with sealant to prevent rodents from entering through openings.

Cleaning and Disinfection: Regularly clean the balcony floor, ensuring no food debris remains. If drying clothes on the balcony, promptly collect them to prevent rodents from defecating on or nesting in the laundry. Use covered trash bins on the balcony, empty them daily, and avoid storing garbage there.

③ Drains and Pipes:

Install Screens: Fit rodent-proof screens over household drains (kitchen, bathroom) and floor drains. Screen mesh should not exceed 0.5 cm in aperture. Regularly clear debris from screens to prevent clogging.

Regularly Clear: Community or neighborhood public drains and gutters should be regularly cleared to prevent stagnant sewage that attracts rodents. Securely cover sewer manhole covers. Replace damaged covers promptly to prevent rodents from entering through gaps.

Disinfection: Monthly pour chlorine-based disinfectant (e.g., 84 Disinfectant) into drains to sterilize and eliminate rodent food sources (organic matter in drains), while suppressing rodent activity.​

VI. Conclusion: Rodent Prevention and Control Is a Long-Term Endeavor—Safeguarding Health Starts with Attention to Detail

The dangers posed by rodents extend far beyond mere “food theft.” They serve as vectors for disease transmission and represent hidden threats to household safety. From chewing through electrical wires that can spark fires to contaminating food supplies that lead to poisoning, each risk poses a serious threat to family health and property security. Therefore, rodent control cannot be a last-minute effort but requires consistent, long-term commitment. Every step—from environmental cleanup and sealing entry points to scientific extermination—is crucial.

Whether at home or in commercial spaces, indoors or outdoors, cultivate the habit of “regular inspections and prompt prevention”: Upon discovering rodent activity, avoid panic and refrain from using unproven remedies. Instead, select safe and effective extermination methods based on the specific situation. After extermination, implement follow-up protective measures to prevent rodents from “making a comeback.”

If rodent infestations in homes or commercial spaces become severe (e.g., large numbers of rodents, repeated ineffective extermination attempts, or symptoms of disease transmission), promptly contact a professional pest control company. Their experts will conduct comprehensive inspections and develop targeted prevention plans to thoroughly resolve rodent issues, safeguarding the health and safety of your home or premises.

Rodent prevention and control start with attention to detail, beginning now. Only by providing your family with a rodent-free environment can you truly enjoy a peaceful and comfortable life.