Don't Let Rats Ruin Your Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Fall is here! For many, the change in seasons is marked by falling leaves, the return of football season, and the (hate it or love it) phenom – pumpkin spice lattes. But don’t get too cozy just yet, the chill in the air and crunch of leaves under your feet should also signal that rodents are scrambling to find shelter and hunker down for the cold season. But before we start talking rats, here are some fun facts about autumn:

• The first day of autumn, the autumnal equinox, has 12 hours of daylight, and 12 hours of darkness (Sept. 22/23).
• No film with “autumn” in its title has won an Oscar. Spring, summer and winter have one each.
• Squirrels are smarter! As they bury nuts and seeds to save for winter, a typical squirrel experiences a 15% increase in the memory and emotion center of the brain.

Speaking of squirrels, let’s get back to rats. According to RatRelief.com, rats have been known to nest in a variety of areas, including compost, wood piles, trash cans and rubbish piles, and animal areas (kennels, chicken coops, crates, barns, etc.). Sound familiar? As code compliance officers, it is our job to remind community members why it is unsanitary and dangerous to create environments that could be a haven for rodents.
We see our neighbors hustling to trim tree branches, clean out their summer gardens, clear junk from the garage so they can park inside for the winter, and a number of other activities that can create future rodent residences. Here are some tips from Seattle’s King County for reducing your risk of rodent infestation:

• Bird feeders should be on poles and seed in trays that rats can’t reach.
• Keep garbage can lids closed tightly.
• Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables from your yard.
• Do not leave your pet food outside
• Pick up dog waste in your yard daily
• Stack firewood 18 inches off the ground and away from all buildings
• Move your wood pile at least twice a year
• Keep bushes, vines, and tree branches cut back at least 3 feet from your house (Roof rats get into your house from tree branches that hang over the roof).

 
So take advantage of the next few sunny weeks by mowing your lawn, running a couple of loads of yard debris to the recycling center and re-stacking your wood pile. If you are concerned about any neighboring properties that may be facilitating some rodent-friendly activity, please reach out to the City of McMinnville’s Code Compliance staff immediately.