How to keep rats away

As of July 1, consumers will no longer be able to buy rat poison, known as rodenticides, in California.

The products, marketed under brand names like d-Con, will be removed from stores. Only licensed professionals will be able to use the chemicals. Wildlife and pets have died from eating dead rats that have ingested the poison.

Experts say the best way to avoid rat infestations is to remove what attracts them — mainly food sources and places that provide shelter.

Rats are attracted to trash, water sources and will create nests inside walls and crawl spaces.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests several steps to help keep rats away.

— Seal holes inside and outside your house by patching larger holes or inserting steel wool in smaller ones.

— Traps can be used to catch rats and other rodents.

— Clean up potential food sources and nesting sites, including keeping trash in sealed containers,

Ways to know you have an infestation

— Droppings around food, in drawers, cabinets, or under sinks and behind appliances.

— Nesting materials such as shredded paper, fabric or dried twigs and leaves.

— Evidence of chewing or gnawing of food packaging or structures.

— Stale smells coming from hidden areas or in walls.

More information can be found at the EPA's website: www.epa.gov/opp00001/controlling/rodents.htm

Source: Environmental Protection Agency