As temperatures drop, rats begin searching for warm, sheltered places — and homes, sheds, and garages become prime targets. Jackson County Vector Control District encourages residents to take a few simple steps now to prevent rodents from settling in for the winter.
Here’s what to look for around your home:
🔍 1. Check for Entry Points
Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter. Inspect:
- Gaps under doors
- Holes around pipes or vents
- Cracks in foundations
- Spaces where siding meets the ground Seal openings with steel wool, hardware cloth, or proper weatherproofing materials.
🗑️ 2. Secure Garbage & Food Sources
Rats are attracted to easy meals. Make sure:
- Garbage cans have tight‑fitting lids
- Pet food is stored indoors
- Bird feeders are placed away from structures
- Compost bins are properly sealed
🌿 3. Remove Harborage Areas
Clutter gives rats a place to hide and nest. Look for:
- Overgrown vegetation
- Woodpiles stacked directly against the house
- Unused items stored outdoors
- Debris piles or thick ground cover
Keep these areas tidy and lifted off the ground when possible.
🚰 4. Eliminate Water Sources
Rats need water daily. Check for:
- Leaky outdoor faucets
- Dripping irrigation lines
- Standing water in buckets or containers
Fix leaks and empty containers regularly.
📦 5. Inspect Garages, Sheds & Crawl Spaces
These areas are common winter hideouts. Look for:
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Nesting materials
- Greasy rub marks along walls or pipes
If you see signs of activity, address them early before populations grow.
Free Resources for Jackson County Residents
To support local prevention efforts, JCVCD provides two free rat traps to every Jackson County resident, along with rat‑prevention pamphlets that outline simple steps to keep rodents away from your home. Stop by our office during business hours to pick them up.
We’re Here to Help
Rat prevention is a community effort, and small steps now make a big difference later. If you have questions about rodent activity or need guidance on prevention, our team is here to support you.
📞 541‑826‑2199 🌐 jcvcd.gov
Thank you for helping keep Jackson County healthy, safe, and rodent‑free this winter.
Board of Trustees Places Local Option Levy on the November 2026 Ballot
The Jackson County Vector Control District Board of Trustees — Craig Hility, Mike Taylor, Bruce Jackson, Cal Lanfear, and Robin Norris — has voted to place a local option levy on the November 2026 ballot.
The District requires additional funding to respond to increased demands for service and the rising costs to provide them. The proposed levy is $0.05 per $1,000 of assessed property value (about $1.25 per month / $15 per year for the average property owner).
To learn more, click here: Local Option Levy