Health Department issues statement about control of rodents and other pests
The Broome County Health Department has issued a statement in reference to the control of rodents and other potentially destructive pests, especially in areas where food has accumulated and possibly spoiled or where household garbage has not been collected in more than one week.
Rats are destructive pests that can spread disease, contaminate food, and destroy property. Those rodents that survived the flood often relocate to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter. As the rodents settle into new areas, they will build colonies and reproduce. As the populations grow and resettle, people have a greater chance of being exposed to the diseases carried by rodents.
The Broome County Department of Health would like to again remind people to separate their waste into four categories: household garbage, flood debris, hazardous waste and recyclables. This not only eases pickup and transportation of waste, but allows the household garbage to be picked up quickly to keep pests such as flies, cockroaches and rats away.
The Broome County Health Department is asking residents to, as much as possible, remove food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents. Where necessary, control rodents by using an integrated pest management approach that includes environmental sanitation, food storage, rodent-proofing, and trapping.
More information on how to control rodents after a flood can be found at gobroomecounty.com/eh. If residents are aware of a rat infestation, they are to contact the Broome County Division of Environmental Health at 607-778-2887
Posted: 9/18/2011 1:16 pm
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