6 Ways to Keep Rodents From Taking Over Your School
Schools contain all of the resources that rodents need to survive and thrive. Schools cover large areas, with many rooms, nesting materials and food. Because schools are so hospitable to rodents, a rodent infestation can quickly get out of hand. And because rodents carry so many diseases, this is bad for your school's reputation and for the health of your students. If your school has one too many rodents scurrying around, you need to ensure that you understand exactly what makes your school so inviting to these pests.
1. Clean outdoor garbage containers regularly
Outdoor garbage containers are a common cause of early rodent infestations. Dirty and unemptied garbage containers encourage rats and mice to nest on your school's premises. Ensure that you empty your outdoor and indoor garbage containers as often as possible. For instance, after lunch, when your garbage bins are full, empty them as soon as possible.
2. Seal all possible entry points into your school
To keep rodents from entering your school buildings, seal electrical conduits, heating ducts and pipes with strong materials that rodents won't be able to gnaw through.
3. Minimize clutter throughout your school
Schools contain a wealth of nesting material for rodents, like paper, stationery, and furniture. Store as much as you can in sealed containers to prevent rodents from building nests.
4. Designate areas for food consumption
By designating food consumption areas around your school, you can focus your cleaning and pest control efforts on those areas. If your students are able to eat wherever they wish, rodents will have a rich supply of rubbish and scraps to feed on.
5. Remove all dense vegetation from your school's walls
Rodents use thick undergrowth to build nests as close to their food source as possible. Don't allow thick vegetation to grow against your school's walls. Rats will nest in these locations and use them as a means of gaining entry to your school.
6. Create a rodent monitoring program
To discover rodent activity before an infestation occurs, ensure that you implement an effective rodent monitoring program. By checking for rodent activity on a regular basis, you can prevent infestations.
Rodents are a serious problem wherever there is an abundance of shelter, food and clutter. To keep rodents from nesting on your school's premises, follow the aforementioned tips. And ensure that you hire a commercial pest control service to remove infestations. They'll remove your problem and advise you on how best to keep rodents away.