Rodent & Insect Control

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Rodent & Insect control

Rodents and insects want to thrive, and they are attracted to garbage, trash, and debris. City codes require the owner or occupant(s) of buildings to eliminate existing rodent or insect infestations and to provide continuous maintenance to ensure a pest-free neighborhood.

What is the Impact?

Insect and rodent infestations are not only a nuisance, but also destroy property and may pose threats to you and your family's health and safety.

Occupant & Owner/Manager Responsibilities 

  • Occupants of single-family and two-family residences are responsible for pest control including keeping the property clear of insects, rodents, or other pests.
  • Property owners/managers are responsible for pest control at multi-family residences (triplex, quadplex, and more), apartment complexes, and other similar multi-family housing structures.

Rodenticide Caution

The use of any rodenticide should be considered only after all other pest control methods have been exhausted. Certain types of rodenticides, if applied incorrectly, can have negative results. Prevent causing harm to children, pets, and wildlife by following the manufacturer's instructions or working with a pest control professional.

Leave it to the Professionals

For assistance with rodent control outside of properties and in neighborhoods, the City’s Rodent Control Program can help. The City’s Rodent Control Technicians make inspections, advise on how to help with rodent prevention, and if necessary place tamper-resistant bait stations in rodent-attracting locations outdoors free of charge. To schedule an appointment, call the Sanitation Department at 727-893-7398.

Rodent Treatment Permission/Release Form

For assistance with rodent control inside a residence, contact a private exterminator.

Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes are particularly troublesome pests. Untreated stagnant water is a natural breeding place. Be a good neighbor and remove all open receptacles and containers capable of holding water. Contact Pinellas County Mosquito Control at 727-464-7503 for additional information.

Tips to Avoid Pests

  • Keep your yard clean and free of tall weeds, abandoned cars, trash, and fallen fruit.
  • Keep trees and landscaping away from your home. These can become highways and harborages for rats making it easier for them to get into your house.
  • The two most common entry points for rats are where the A/C lines enter and exit the home and where flat roofs intersect with a pitched roof. Use ¼ inch hardware cloth to close off these areas. Spray foam is easily chewed through, therefore providing little protection.
  • Seal holes and cracks in doors, window frames, and walls. Do not do this until after all rodents are exterminated from inside the house/structure(s).
  • Store firewood on open tracks and at least 18 inches above the ground and away from sides of house/structure(s).
  • Properly dispose of all garbage, trash, debris, needless clutter, old furniture, newspapers, boxes, etc.
  • Don't overfeed your outdoor pets. What your pet doesn't eat, rats will eat.
  • Put garbage in closed containers and roll the sanitation/garbage collection container to the curb for pick-up only on the morning of the scheduled collection day.
  • If you must feed birds, use a squirrel (rat) deterring bird feeder like Squirrel Buster or Roam Wild. Also, use a pan to collect what the birds spill out of the feeder and remove before sundown.

How to Get in Touch

Sanitation
727-893-7398
www.stpete.org/sanitation