“Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through the handling of rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, or through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.”
Rodents can make you sick even damage your home or personal property. Rats and mice burrow holes inside and around the walls and foundations of your home; nest inside walls, closets and other storage areas; and chew and damage delicate electrical wiring.
Download the Rodent Prevention Guide
You can prevent rodent infestation by following these simple steps:
- Seal up holes inside and outside the home to prevent entry by rodents.
- Clean up any rodent food sources and nesting sites inside or outside of your home. (Helpful tip: Put pet food out only during pet mealtimes and remove promptly!)
- Seal garages or other outdoor storage areas to prevent rodents from entering.
- Remove brush and woodpiles from your yard and store other unused items in a secure space indoors. These are all attractive nesting areas for rodents.
- Trash and recycling must be stored properly in carts with lids closed and collected weekly.
- Encourage your neighbors to do the same! Rodents around a neighbor’s home can quickly become your problem too if the issue is left unresolved.
I need help with a rodent problem outside of my home. How do I get help?
- The City offers rodent baiting to qualified Providence residents on a case-by case basis through Public Works.
- Prior to baiting approval, residents must attest that their property meets the following criteria:
- The property must be an owner occupied, residential building within the City limits.
- The property is residential, not commercial.
- Rodent Control cannot bait unoccupied residences (i.e. foreclosed properties); vacant lots, business or commercial buildings of any kind, or service any non-profit organizations (i.e. group homes).
- The property has not been baited by The City before (this service is offered one time per owner and residents are asked to contact a private contractor for additional future services)
- All potential rodent food sources must be removed from the property prior to baiting.
- The property is clean and free of debris/trash/bulky items.
- The property has a clean yard that is maintained regularly – grass and shrubbery is well-trimmed.
- Trash and recycling is stored properly in carts and is collected weekly.
- The property owner must sign and return a waiver to authorize baiting as harmful poison will be used in the process.
- If all qualifications are met, please visit https://providenceri.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078 to fill out the online form. Paper forms can also be filled out at the Department of Public Works during normal business hours (Please be aware of COVID may effect these hours).
If residents do not qualify, it is recommended they contact a private contractor who can professionally administer safe services at their address.
How do I make an appointment for the City to help?
- Please call Rodent Control at the Department of Public Works at 401-680-7500 during normal business hours.
