- Department:Hazard Control Division
As the Lunar New Year approaches, households are busy with spring cleaning, but many homeowners have discovered unwelcome guests—rats—invading their homes, casting a shadow over the festive mood. The Ministry of Environment points out that rodent control cannot rely solely on rodenticides; it requires "outsmarting" them. Citing recommendations from Professor Emeritus Hsu Err-lieh of the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University, the Ministry advises understanding rodent habits and implementing the "Three No's" Principle: "Don't let them come," "Don't let them eat," and "Don't let them stay" to ensure a peaceful holiday season.
Professor Hsu Err-lieh reminds the public that effective rodent control begins with understanding both your enemy and yourself—mastering rodent behavior is the key. There are three common domestic rodent species in Taiwan, ranked from largest to smallest: the Brown Rat (Norway Rat), the Roof Rat, and the House Mouse. Although rodents have poor eyesight, their senses of smell, hearing, and touch are extremely acute. They possess strong learning abilities and exceptional burrowing skills, and are masters at squeezing through tight spaces. Rodents can easily squeeze through any hole larger than a 10-dollar coin (approximately 2 cm), and House Mice can pass through even smaller crevices.
Professor Hsu Err-lieh emphasizes that rodent control must start with environmental management, implementing the "Three No's Principle" for home rodent prevention:
- "Don't let them come" (Seal rodent pathways): Check holes, door gaps, and vents. Any gap larger than 2 cm should be filled. Drainage holes should be fitted with metal mesh (aperture less than 1 cm). If door gaps are too large, installing metal kick plates is recommended.
- "Don't let them eat" (Cut off food sources): Rodents have a keen sense of smell. Food must be sealed in glass or metal containers. Trash cans must be covered, and pet food should be stored immediately after feeding, never left out overnight.
- "Don't let them stay" (Clear the environment): Rodents prefer nesting in dark, cluttered corners. Residents should clean out storage nooks and avoid piling up debris to disrupt rodent nesting conditions.
If rodents have already entered the home, "physical control" is recommended as a priority. Many people set traps but fail to catch anything, often because they do not understand that rats "travel along walls" and are "naturally suspicious." Therefore, traps should be placed along wall corners and left undisturbed to avoid alerting rodents.
If physical control measures prove ineffective, chemical control (rodenticides) should be considered as a last resort. When using household pesticides, strictly follow the principle of "appropriate dosage in hidden corners," or use bait stations to prevent children and pets from accidental contact. However, avoid using glue traps whenever possible to prevent unintended harm to other animals or cleanup difficulties.
The Ministry of Environment advises the public that if they capture mice or discover mouse carcasses, they should wear masks and gloves, seal the carcasses in double-layered garbage bags, and place them for collection by garbage trucks. Areas contaminated by rodents can be disinfected with diluted bleach. However, if rodent infestations at home are severe, it is recommended to seek assistance from licensed professional pest control operators. Information on qualified operators can be found on the Ministry’s "Online Query System for Environmental Pesticide Permits and Pest Control Operators" (https://mdc.moenv.gov.tw/PublicInfo/Permit).
The Ministry of the Environment emphasizes that effective environmental maintenance naturally reduces the need for pesticides. By implementing the “Three No's Principle” for home rodent prevention, we can jointly create a clean, safe, and healthy living environment to welcome the New Year with peace of mind.
