Due to risks to human health and damage to food, electrical wiring and personal effects, rodent control should be taken very seriously.

Prevention is the best method of control.  The three basic rules of rodent control are:

1. Eliminate the reason why rodents are nearby.

Rodents exist in direct proportion to the amount of food. Bird feeders are probably the main cause of rodent problems but pet food, garbage and compost are other primary causes.

Mice and rats prefer to stay out of sight even when feeding if possible to avoid predators and do most of their foraging under the cover of darkness.  Debris, lumber, firewood, raised sidewalks and decks all provide ideal shelter for rodents, and once they sense the warmth of a building they will attempt entry.
 
2. Eliminate any routes for them to enter the premises.

The size of the skull is the only thing that restricts a rodent from entering a small hole or crack -- for a mouse this could be as small as the size of a pencil, but a rat will chew through things to make a small hole large enough.

Often wiring is chewed where it passes through a hole. Holes made for plumbing provide ease of access all levels of a home and the attic for rodents, so steel wool packed around wiring and pipes help keep them out.  Metal flashing should also be used for rats, vents should have fitted mesh covering them, and doors must fit tight especially at the sill and be kept closed.

3. Eliminate the problem directly.

Traps are the most common and safest way to eliminate rodents if used properly, but should never be placed where animals or children may come into contact with them.

Poison is the most effective method of control when numerous rodents are present. If poisoned bait is utilised, directions must be adhered to strictly. Note that  tamper resistant boxes are safer and more effective than open space placement.

Live trapping rodents is not effective nor recommended as rodents can carry disease and it is best not to help spread it to other locations.