Eliminating Rodent Conditions
Prevent infestations by changing the physical conditions of the building through exclusion and sanitation.

Exclusion
The best way to keep buildings rodent-free is to prevent rats and mice from getting inside. Rodents fit through tiny openings and can gnaw through wood, lead, aluminum, copper, cinder block, and uncured concrete. Mice can squeeze through gaps larger than 5/16 inch, and rats can squeeze through gaps larger than 1/2 inch. They will enlarge openings that are too small by gnawing them big enough for their body to fit through. The following measures, with the proper materials, will make buildings less accessible to rodents:
• Patch openings in walls larger than 1/4 inch using gnaw-proof materials, such as steel sheeting, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, galvanized steel, and concrete. Holes may be plugged with steel wool or copper mesh prior to patching.
• Seal gaps under siding at the top of the foundation.
• Seal openings around pipes and conduits where they pass through exterior walls.
• Close outside doors tightly when not in use.
• Install tight-fitting weather stripping on the bottom of all pedestrian doors and overhead doors.
• Cover all air vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth. Make sure dryer vent “flaps” are working properly.

Sanitation
Eliminating places that may provide rodents with shelter, water, and food is the purpose of sanitation.
• Eliminate debris in and around buildings and grounds.
• Trim weeds and brush and keep grass short (3 inches or shorter) to minimize cover and food sources around the building perimeter.
• Clean up food waste and spillage daily.
• Store food 12 to 15 inches off the floor and 12 to 18 inches away from the wall for easy inspection and sanitation. Use rodent-proof containers when possible.
• Allow 24-inch aisles between stored materials and walk for improved sanitation and inspection.
• Screen dumpster drainage holes with hardware cloth.
• Don’t leave pet food out overnight. Clean up dog droppings daily.
• Eliminate water sources available to rodents.
• Clean up windfall fruits, nuts, and bird feeder spillage daily.
To schedule a professional rodent inspection, call Marlboro Pest Control, Inc. at 508-485-3721!

Bat Exclusion
The most effective way to remove bats from a building is through the process of exclusion, which means that we locate any openings bats are currently using to gain access into the building and install one-way doors on those openings, enabling the bats to leave the building, but not return. Upon installation of one-way door, technicians will identify and seal all possible re-entry points (the bats may look for another way in and only need an opening about the size of a dime). Most of the time, one-way doors are left on for one 1-2 weeks, although (unless hibernating in winter months) bats should be gone within 24-48 hours. When technicians return, they remove the one-way doors and seal the opening or openings. Bat exclusion & prevention work comes with a one-year extendable warranty.

Grey Squirrel Exclusion
Set traps for grey squirrel, red squirrel, flying squirrel and chipmunk in appropriate areas to be determined by technician. When possible or appropriate, install one-way doors on entry points (exclusion) to prevent squirrels from re-entry. Some jobs need trapping-only, others exclusion only, and some may need a combination of services.

The most effective way to remove flying squirrels from a building is through the process of exclusion, which means that we locate any openings flying squirrels are currently using to gain access into the building and install one-way doors on those openings, enabling the flying squirrels to leave the building, but not return. Upon installation of one-way door(s), technicians will identify and seal all possible re-entry points (the flying squirrels may look for another way in).

Most of the time, one-way doors are left on for one 1-2 weeks, although flying squirrels should be gone within 24-48 hours. When technicians return, they remove the one-way doors and seal the opening. Flying squirrels do not hibernate, but they do nest in your home through the winter and sometimes come back in during late summer for a second litter. Flying squirrels exclusion & prevention work comes with a one-year extendable warranty.