The Keys Board of Directors has received communications from residents concerning rats seen around bird feeders as well as rat infestations in the crawl spaces under the townhomes. We feel it is important to notify residents that rats can chew through the vents and nest in the insulation under their units. Many units have hanging insulation noted on their termite inspections. While this is not necessarily an indication of the presence of rats, it is an indicator that you should check your crawl space. Please make sure your access door is secure and check regularly to make sure that your vents have not been damaged. Other rodents, such as squirrels and mice, can cause similar damage and often nest under the hoods of cars and chew wiring.
The following are excerpts from news releases by NC Wildlife:
RALEIGH, N.C.
Feeding animals may seem harmless or even helpful. However, it causes the animal to lose its natural fear of humans and seek more human food. An animal may become aggressive or cause property damage in its search for more human food.
Wildlife can transmit diseases, including rabies and roundworm, to humans.
RALEIGH, N.C.
To prevent problems with any type of wildlife:
· Make sure you are not indirectly feeding wildlife — by cleaning up pet food, securing trash in an animal-proof container, keeping barbecue grills clean and removing bird feeders.
· Establish protective barriers to keep wildlife from entering crawl spaces, attics and beneath decks, where they might build nests or dens.
· Secure pets or keep them indoors or on leashes. Dogs can disturb dens, prompting aggressive behavior from the foxes.
· Clear overhanging tree limbs or other means of access that wildlife can use to enter a structure.
· Clear fallen fruit from around trees
· Annually inspect property to identify food problems and other areas that need to be fixed before an issue begins.
· Encourage neighbors to use these same methods.
While we all enjoy birds and other wildlife in the Keys, the Board does not want to monitor or fine residents who continue to feed birds. Be a responsible owner. The Board asks that if you see anyone feeding any wildlife or leaving open containers of food outside, please request that they cease such actions for the benefit of wildlife as well as our homes and human neighbors.