If possible, keep small children indoors, especially in the evening. Persons who must go outside at dusk should use a repellent on exposed parts of their bodies and clothing. After a storm, many rodents are displaced from their natural habitat. As a result, these animals seek areas which provide food and shelter. Unfortunately, many of the new rodent havens are in houses, sheds, barns, and other buildings.
Structures damaged by the storm are particularly attractive and provide easy access to rodents.
The unwelcome pests can cause property damage and, in extreme cases, pose a potential health problem. Rats and Mice As soon as possible, remove all debris that provides protective cover for rodents from around houses and buildings. Keep lawn and field vegetation mowed at a low level to eliminate protective cover for rodents. Remove any potential food source such as household trash, waste grain, or other foods that might attract mice and rats. Registered toxicant baits with zinc phosphide or anticoagulates are effective in mouse and rat control.