We provide information and assistance in preventing and managing problems with common household pests. Learn what to do if you encounter pests and what to do to minimize their impacts.
The Vector Control Bylaw prohibits property owner/occupiers from allowing their property to create a rodent or insect problem.
Both mice and rats breed often and can cause health issues. They should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Signs of rodent activity
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks or sounds
- Tracks (including footprints or trail marks)
- Urine
- Runs or burrows
- Smudge marks
Control
Contact a pest control company or the City’s Vector Control staff at 604.927.7932 for information on rodent control. In some cases, staff may conduct site visits.
Control options include:
- Snap traps
- Glue boards
- Exclusion
Prevention
- Screen or plug all openings greater than 1 cm that could provide entry (e.g. drains, vents, cracks and holes in the foundation or basement).
- Ensure garage doors are flush to the ground.
- Replace broken dryer vents.
- Store garbage in metal containers with tight lids.
- Use rodent-proof bird feeders and sweep up all fallen bird seed.
- Clean the BBQ well after every use.
- Eliminate hiding places outside: remove weeds and debris, cut back vegetation (e.g. vines), and store materials such as lumber and boxes on a rack with a clean, open area underneath.
- Store opened food in metal or glass containers with tight lids.
- Store pet food in a secure container.
- Sweep up any food scraps or litter from floors both inside and outside.
- Install screens on all windows and inspect for holes.
- Keep exterior doors closed; use metal trim to prevent rodents from gnawing and entering underneath.
Resources:
- Best practices in Rodent Control (Stewardship Centre for BC)
- Disposal of Rodenticides (Province of BC)
- Humane Rodent Control (BCSPCA)
- Integrated Pest Management for Rodents: Residential (Province of BC)
- Rodent-proofing guide and checklist (BCSPCA)
Raccoons are known to raid unsecured garbage bins, create dens in attics, and damage lawns while searching for grubs and earthworms. Their droppings may also be a health hazard.
Control
Raccoons are protected by the Provincial Wildlife Act. It is recommended that you first contact the Provincial Fish & Wildlife Branch at 1-877-855-3222 or Service BC at 604-660-2421 if dealing with a problem raccoon.
Prevention
- Remove all possible sources of food from outside your home.
- Use metal or tough plastic garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Prevent access to the roof by trimming tree branches to at least two metres from the roof.
- Cap the chimney to keep raccoons from entering.
- Keep raccoons from making a den on your property by attacking their senses (sight, smell and sound).
- Cover sandboxes to prevent raccoons from using them as a latrine.
Skunks may spray pets and humans, disturb unsecured garbage bins, damage lawns while searching for grubs and earthworms, and burrow beneath structures to make dens.
Control
Please contact a professional private pest control company for skunk removal.
Prevention
- Remove all possible sources of food from outside your home.
- Use metal or tough plastic garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep skunks from making dens under structures by sealing off openings with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete.
The City does not conduct active mosquito management on private property. Residents are encouraged to prevent infestations by using common prevention techniques.
Prevention
- Drain your property of standing water, such as clogged gutters, saucers under plant pots, tarps, used tires. Change water in bird baths and wading pools frequently.
- Dusk/Drain – take extra care; this is when mosquitoes are most active.
- Dress appropriately by wearing baggy, long-sleeved shirts and pants, shoes and socks when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Wear light-coloured clothing, since dark colours attract mosquitoes.
- Defend against mosquito bites by using mosquito repellants wisely.
The City does not conduct active management of wasps, bees and ants on private property. Residents are advised to contact a pest control company.
Find more information about beekeeping in Port Coquitlam here.