Frequently Asked Questions

The role of the Hudson Health Department is to educate the public on rodent issues. There are 3 areas of focus when it comes to rodent problems:

Prevention

• Educating residents and businesses on how to make properties less attractive to rodents
• Phone calls and on-site visits to residents and businesses to share best practices
• Participating in local and regional working groups to stay up to date on current trends for prevention and treatment
• Collaborating with town departments and professionals in the field
• Regular data monitoring to both determine areas of high rat activity and evaluate rodent control strategies

Identification

• Assisting residents and businesses in identifying problem areas and what to look for including droppings, chew marks, burrows, etc.
• Use of real-life examples including pictures on educational materials and other relevant resources

Remediation

• Empower property owners to contact a professional pest control company for an assessment and removal of rodents
• Gather best practices from trusted resources including the CDC

This flow chart (PDF) outlines best practices for when you see signs of rodents on your property and what to do.

See a rodent in your neighborhood? Report a rodent sighting. This will allow town officials to track pest control issues and trends.

For professional advice and/or possible treatment options, contact a licensed pest control company. Many offer free consultations.

• If you rent, talk with your landlord.
• Ask around and talk to neighbors for referrals and recommendations.

A reputable company will:

• Inspect your property before giving a quote.
• Give you a detailed written report and action plan personalized to your property and your needs.
• Make referrals for structural repair.
• Revisit and re-evaluate until your pest problem is gone.
• Educate you on how to prevent rats in the future.