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RATS AND MICE:

Rats and mice are a community wide problem; when one house has rats it is likely the whole block has rats! That is why they are difficult to control on an individual homeowner basis. Domestic rodents including rats, mice, and squirrels have been implicated in the spread of the Plague and cause a large economic loss by chewing on building materials and personal belongings, feeding on food stuffs and contaminating food with urine, feces, and hair.  The Mosquito and Vector Management District when notified of a rodent infestation, will inspect the property (within the District) where rodents are first observed at no charge to the property owner. Adjoining areas will then be looked at to determine the extent of the infestation and identify possible harborage sites.  A Residence inspection checklist and informational pamphlets will then be given out to property owners advising them on how they can "rodent proof" their property.  Rat baiting and trapping, performed by a State certified District vector control inspector, may be done at that time, at no charge to the property owner.

Picture of Roof and Norway Rats
RAT FACTS

Rats may establish nests in these areas:
  • Italian Cypress
  • Algerian Ivy
  • Bougainvillea
  • Oleander
  • Palm Trees
  • Yucca
  • Other heavy shrubbery
  • Wood and lumber piles
  • Storage Boxes
Rats prefer to feed on the following:
  • Oranges
  • Avocadoes
  • Other ripe fruits
  • Walnuts
  • Natal Plums
  • Pet food left out at night
  • Snails
  • Grass Seed
  • Bird Seed
The homeowner should be alert for these signs of rat activity:
  • Damaged, partially eaten oranges, avocadoes, or other fruits.
  • Broken snail shells under bushes, on fences, near nesting sites.
  • Signs of gnawing on plastic, wood, or rubber materials.
  • Greasy rub marks caused by the rat's oily fur coming in repeated contact with painted surfaces or wooden beams.
  • Rat droppings are usually signs of significant rat activity. The droppings are randomly scattered and will normally be found close to a rat runway, feeding location, or near shelter. They are dark in color, pellet shaped, and are about 1/2 inch long.
  • Droppings found in forced air heaters, swimming pool heater covers, and water heater closets.
  • Visual sightings in or around the premises, on utility cables, tops of fences, or in trees.

INFORMATION ONLINE:



Santa Barbara Coastal Vector Control District

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Mosquito and Vector Management District
Enhanced Services limited to residents of the South Coast
Telephone: (805) 969 - 5050
Fax: (805) 969 - 5643