Effective rodent control in the District is a shared responsibility that relies on the proactive partnership of our entire community. Whether you are managing a commercial property or maintaining your home, taking strategic, preventative steps is the most powerful tool for reducing rodent populations and protecting public health. Here are some tips to help District residents and business owners work alongside DC Health to eliminate rodent attractants and maintain clean, pest-free neighborhoods.
Rodent Control Tips for Residents
- Eliminate all clutter around the outside of homes and under porches.
- Store any garbage in metal or heavy plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and place trash at point of collection shortly before pickup — not days in advance.
- Remove weeds and debris near your property/ yards where rats can hide easily. Plants such as English Ivy, Periwinkle, Pachysandra, and Hosta are known to be cover for rats.
- Store food in metal, glass or heavy duty plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
- Remove uneaten pet food, and store pet food in secure containers.
- Add metal weather stripping and trim to doors to prevent rodents from gnawing and entering underneath.
- Learn about preventing rodents near dumpsters.
Complaints:
- Please call 311 to report rodent complaints or visit 311.dc.gov
- Please call (202) 535-1954 for information, outreach, educational materials, and enforcement.
- To report a rat bite, sick rat or injured rat, contact the Animal Control Division at 202-888-PETS (7387).
More Resources:
Rodent Control Tips for Business Owners
- Properly store solid waste in containers.
- Store grease in a metal container with a tight fitting lid for disposal or recycling.
- Provide a sufficient number of food waste containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Maintain the perimeter of the dumpster free of debris.
- Refrigerate garbage or place it in a rodent proof (no openings) indoor or outdoor storage facility, until garbage pickup.
- Community businesses, including food establishments, should utilize trash compactors to mitigate rodent activity.
- Learn about preventing rodents near dumpsters.