Rats, they came early this year!
[zt]Rats are infesting several communities in Manitoba sooner in the season than expected.
Residents in the St. Norbert neighbourhood of south Winnipeg have seen a rodent revival this spring, and the community isn't alone: Parts of Portage La Prairie and Winkler are also trying to rid themselves of the creatures.
Rat populations are cyclical, Don Poulin of Poulin's Pest Control said Friday, but he noted it is unusual to hear about rat problems this early in the season, as they historically make their appearance mid-summer.
Once there is an outbreak, people become vigilant in putting out bait and trapping the rodents, he said, but as soon as they let their guard down the cycle starts anew.
"What are we throwing out? What are we putting out for the dogs, the birds, all these things? Where are we putting it? These are all contributors," Poulin said.
"You need two things to have rat problems: You need food and you need shelter. Take any one of those away, you'll get rid of the problem. And that's easier said than done."
Rats tend to follow waterways, Poulin said. He advised people who live close to a body of water to scan their yards for potential problem spots, including dark, low-lying, warm areas of property such as garden sheds and spaces under decks.
[ 本帖最后由 妍妍 于 2008-4-18 16:50 编辑 ] |
