Rodent Prevention & Control

Identify

Droppings are typically the easiest way to identify a rodent problem. Mouse droppings are small, like black grains of rice.

You may also see rats, hear rat squeaking as well as hissing and chattering, or find chewed-up material. Outside, there may be burrows or runways.

How to get rid of rodents

With an increase in urban farming (more people growing gardens, having small chicken coops, etc.) those areas become a prime habitat for rodents.

If your neighborhood is close to fields and open area, rainfall can also exacerbate the issue due to rising water levels and rodents being pushed into neighborhoods for the winter.

This is not specifically an Albany issue but one that most cities deal with.

Prevention or extermination measures fall to individual property owners:

1. Remove sources of food and shelter.
2. Prevent access to your home.
3. Remove excess debris from your yard.
4. Keep compost enclosed in a bin with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Contain chicken and animal food in rodent-proof containers.
6. Sweep and contain or dispose of uneaten feed after meals.
7. Eliminate rodents through trapping or professional help.
   Warning: Use of poison is not recommended and should be regarded as a last resort tactic. Poison can harm or kill humans, pets, birds, and other animals, as well as our environment.

Reporting your concerns about rodents

At or near restaurants, food carts, food booths, schools, and day cares

• Benton County Health Department, 541-766-6835 (for businesses in North Albany), or 
• Linn County Public Health, 541-967-3888

An inspector will be sent to the facility.

At grocery stores, farmer's markets, food processors or growers

Call the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and they will send an inspector to the facility, 503-986-4720.

At or near a specific private property in the city limits of Albany

If there’s a specific property that proves to be the source of an infestation that’s impacting neighboring properties, the City will contact that property owner directly about addressing it.  The City does not have a program to address general rodent issues that are not tied to a specific property infestation or code compliance case.  

If there’s a specific property that’s of concern, contact our Code Compliance Officer in the Albany Police Department at 541-917-7680 or by using their online form.

In or around sewers or on public property within the city limits of Albany

Contact Public Works at 541-917-7600.