The Rat Race Continues In West Orange: See 9 Rodent Prevention Tips

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The rat race endures in West Orange.

The town’s public information officer, Joe Fagan, gave an update about rodent prevention at this week’s council meeting, noting that the health department has recently received several complaints.

“I just want to remind the public that everyone has a role to play in rodent prevention,” Fagan said, advising residents to learn more on the town website.

According to those guidelines:

“There are many varieties of wildlife in the Township of West Orange, including rodents. Rats and mice pose a public health nuisance to residents and businesses in the community. The rodent population in the township can be controlled by eliminating sources of food and water, removing harborage areas, and through proper extermination procedures.”

The guidelines continue:

“The Health Department has an ongoing baiting program for township owned properties, including township lots, sewers, storm basins, and stream encroachments. Township-owned properties are maintained by the Public Works Department on a routine basis to prevent the accumulation of debris. The Health and Property Maintenance Departments work together to ensure that municipal and private properties are kept free of conditions where rodents may live and breed.”

Here are some tips to help prevent rodent activity near homes and businesses, health officials say:

1. Store garbage in airtight, fly-proof containers such as heavy-duty garbage bags or covered containers.
2. Do not feed birds so that food or bird seed is placed on the ground. Use bird feeders and sweep up fallen seeds.
3. Do not leave pet food outside. Rodents like pet food as much as dogs and cats.
4. Remove fruit that has fallen from trees as soon as possible and place it in suitable containers.
5. Seal openings in homes or businesses by installing door sweeps, and repairing basement and attic windows and holes or cracks in foundations.
6. Do not accumulate debris such as tires, pipes, or building materials to prevent rodent harborage.
7. Do not allow water to collect in receptacles such as tires or old cans.
8. Keep weeds and shrubbery trimmed.
9. Exterminate when needed.

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