Pest Control

Rat 300x200The Village of Chester, like all other seaside communities in Nova Scotia, has a population of rats and mice. These creatures can often carry disease and damage property. It takes a shared approach to control the rodent population. 

Village Service

The Village Commission provides pest control bait stations at 35 outdoor locations around the Village, which are checked and replenished monthly and re-positioned as needed. To report a potential need, please contact the Clerk/Treasurer to arrange an inspection. 

Private Property

Issues can become worse in the fall and winter months as rodents seek warmer sites to live. If your home will be vacant during the winter months, you may be especially vulnerable to pests if no one is monitoring or managing your property.

Prevention: How can you help? Prevention is key in controlling rats and mice problems in your home, business, and community.

  • Remove sources of food by securing garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. If you can, avoid placing fatty or oily food waste, eggs, or milk products in the composter (for example, some people store these items in their freezer, and only place them in their composter on pick-up day). Eliminate or manage any outside feeding stations for pets, birds, or other wildlife.
  • Make your home less appealing to rodents by removing nesting sites in unused clutter around your house and garage. Consider cutting tall grass and weeds back from your house and raise any woodpiles about 30 centimetres (one foot) off the ground and place them away from your house.
  • To keep rodents out of your home, the first line of defence is to get rid of easy entry points. Use metal weather stripping under doors, and weather strip windows. Patch cracks in foundations; stuff steel wool around pipes before caulking or plastering; cover dryer vents, attic vents, and soffits with fine mesh metal screening.
  • If you find a dead rat or mouse on your property, you can put the carcass in your compost/green bin for waste collection. Be sure to wear protective gloves or using an implement (for example, a shovel).

Control: If you already have rats or mice in your home or yard, there are several options for control.

  • Health Canada has an excellent explanation for various types or traps, electronic traps, ultrasonic devices, and pesticides. Further information can be found on their website at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/rats-mice. 
  • Of course, hiring the services of a professional pest control company is always an option, and an on-line search will provide a list of companies that serve the Chester area.