What is the best advice an Environmental Health Professional could give for long-term rodent control?

The best advice for long-term rodent control involves pest-proofing all doors and gaps on building exteriors. This approach focuses on prevention, which is essential for effective rodent management. By sealing potential entry points, such as cracks in walls, gaps around doors, and other openings, you create a physical barrier that makes it significantly more difficult for rodents to enter buildings. This proactive measure helps address the root cause of rodent infestations rather than reacting to them after they occur.

Long-term control strategies prioritize making environments inhospitable to pests. In contrast, relying solely on rodenticides does not provide a sustainable solution, as it addresses the symptoms of a rodent problem rather than preventing future invasions. Additionally, setting traps only in areas where visible signs of rats are present may fail to address hidden or subtle rodent populations, and neglecting professional pest control services can lead to an escalation of infestations, complicating management efforts.