Rodent Prevention

Rodents have become an increasing problem in Massachusetts over the years. Some of the reasons for this can be due to the following reasons: 

1. Increased human populations and denser communities leading to more food sources and harborage area

Properties with poorly maintained waste and yards provide conditions that promote rodent survival

2. Repeated mild winters

Prolonged warm weather leads to more rodent reproductive cycles and increased populations

Milder winters promotes rodent survival

3. Aging building foundations and infrastructures (sewers, roads, etc.)

Be sure to check your foundation for potential entry points and seal as necessary

4. Insufficient rodent control programs

Successful programs may take months

Property maintenance changes may be required in order to reduce rodent populations through proper sanitation and exclusion

Rodent Prevention Flyer - Ludlow 2023

Health Effects of Rodents

Rodents are not known carriers or rabies. They are carriers of fleas, which are associated with illness. Rodent droppings and urine have been linked to health issues. As a result, when cleaning up rodent carcasses or droppings, wear gloves and a facemask. Rodent carcasses can be disposed by double bagging and throwing them away in your regular trash. Use a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to clean rodent urine and droppings.

More information can be found at the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/


What is the Ludlow Health Department doing?

  1. Providing education to residents and business owners, through inspections, neighborhood letters, etc.
  2. Asking residents to report rodent sightings to the Health Department.
  3. Asking restaurant and business owners about rodent prevention efforts during inspections.
  4. Creating a Rodent Prevention tab on the health department section of the Town of Ludlow website.
  5. Enforcing state sanitary code and Town of Ludlow by-laws.
  6. Working in conjunction with the other town departments such as the Building Department and the fire department.
  7. Enforcing rodent control methods, such as the need to exterminate prior to demolition of a building (M.G.L., c111, '31A)  through the Town of Ludlow Building Department.
  8. Working with the Department of Public Health to create a rodent control plan.