ECDOH Rodent Control Program
Rat control is everyone’s responsibility. Without continuing sanitation and good housekeeping practices, the results of an extermination program will only be temporary.
ECDOH Rodent Control Program responds to service requests regarding rodent infestations for properties that are four (4) unit residences or less which are not part of an apartment complex or commercial property. We conduct investigations of complaints such as, but not limited to properties that have:
- Rodent infestations
- Improperly stored garbage, junk & debris
- Improper bird and wildlife feeding
- Dog feces not cleaned up and disposed of properly
These are conditions that create rodent harborage and attract potentially dangerous nuisance wildlife. Baiting service (extermination) is provided free of charge.
Request Rat Baiting or Report a Rat Problem
Complete the Rodent Service Request & Complaint Form or call (716) 961-6800 (business hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
Rodent Control is Everyone's Responsibility
Prevention
You can take the following measures to reduce the risk of a rat infestation:
- Cover all garbage cans with tight fitting lids at all times: it’s the law.
- Avoid feeding pets outdoors. If you must, remove any uneaten pet food immediately and always store in rat proof containers.
- Remove sources of water.
- Keep yards trash free and clean areas behind wooden steps, under decks or any other sites that provide shelter.
- Clean up pet droppings on and around your property daily.
- Pile wood and other storage materials away from walls and at least 18” above the ground.
- Make sure windows and doors close tightly and place heavy screening on all basement windows
Infestation
Rats (and mice) gain entry into homes and public buildings:
- Through breaks, cracks and tiny openings, smaller than a dime, in foundations or siding.
- Through open or unscreened windows, doors, ventilators, sidewalk gratings and basement vents.
- By burrowing under shallow foundations.
- By passing through openings around pipes or conduits entering the foundation or inside the house.
Elimination
- Baiting rats must be done by a licensed professional.
- The Erie County Department of Health has a baiting program.
- Anticoagulant bait preparations are the most effective rat poisons for home use, but continuous feedings are required for three (3) to seven (7) days. It is important to make sure pets and children do not have access to the poison.
Do not try to bait rodents yourself!
Remember, if you eliminate a rat’s food source and shelter, you will eliminate the root of the problem.
Printable Resources
Flyer: Fight Rats One Yard at a Time
Flyer: Rodent Prevention: It's the Law
Brochure: Eliminate Food & Shelter
Contact
Division of Environmental Health
ECDOH Building
503 Kensington Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Map of Campus
Phone: 716-961-6800 (For Emergencies after regular business hours: 716-961-7898)
Fax: 716-961-6880