Pests
RAT SIGHTINGS ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON
Rat sightings are reported to the City of Hamina's health department from time to time around the city. However, the number of rats should be kept under control if waste management in properties is maintained and other measures are taken to ensure that rats do not find food or sheltered nesting sites. Rat prevention is important. Rats are pests that can damage structures, contaminate food and spread infectious diseases. Rats usually move around in search of food, but as a result of construction and blasting work, rats may look for new nesting sites and more rats can be seen on the move than usual.
How to prevent a rat problem?
Prevent rats from getting food by keeping food waste in a lidded, pest-proof garbage can or composter. Food waste should not be placed on the ground or in an open garden composter to attract rats.
Special attention should be paid to the waste management of the property. Waste management must be organized in such a way that animals cannot access the waste container. Waste containers must always be closed and intact. It is worth checking the bottom of the waste container regularly, as rats can gnaw a hole in the bottom and use it to find food unnoticed.
Feeding birds can also attract rats. Bird feeders should be used to feed birds, which prevent large amounts of food from falling to the ground. Regularly clean up the seed and husk mass that accumulates under the feeding area and put it in a waste container. Seeds used for feeding should be stored so that pests cannot access them. If rats or other pests are observed near bird feeding areas, feeding should be stopped until the pest problem has been eliminated. Feeding birds is not necessary in the summer, as birds find their food in nature. It is possible that easily accessible seed food offered during the breeding season will impair the survival and growth of chicks, as in nature they also get insect food, the proportion of which in the diet may be reduced due to feeding.
Rats prefer damp, low-lying places where they can easily dig underground passages. Various piles of boards and scraps provide good shelter for rats. It is a good idea to pay attention to the cleanliness of the yard and clean up any excess piles of boards or scraps.
Control measures
If necessary, rats can be controlled with various traps or pesticides. It is recommended to carry out control measures simultaneously in the area of several properties. Rat traps are sold to consumers in shops. The products should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. When placing traps, it must be ensured that they do not pose a danger to children, domestic animals or wild animals. Traps should be checked daily. Dead rats can be disposed of with mixed waste.
Due to the EU legislation that has come into force, pesticides intended for rat control can only be purchased and used by pest control professionals. In the case of a larger rat problem, it is recommended to contact a pest control professional.
According to the Health Protection Act, the owner or occupier of a property must, if necessary, take measures to eliminate rats and other pests from the property. If rats are observed in the area of the housing company, the property manager should be notified. If necessary, the health inspectorate will inform the residents of the area of rat sightings and provide instructions on how to control rats.
For more information:
City of Hamina, health inspectors tel. 05 749 2551 health inspector@hamina.fi