How energy efficient homes can help with rodent control — new research!
New research is out showing that energy efficient retrofitting of homes has the additional benefit of helping to control rodents. Using computer simulations that study the interactions between people, places, things, and time, researchers used data from three neighbourhoods in Philadelphia, USA, to see whether home energy retrofitting could be an effective tool to reduce rodent populations (Gadsden et al., 2024).
What is home energy retrofitting?
Home energy retrofitting involves making home upgrades to increase a building’s ability to maintain a chosen temperature. This reduces the need for excess energy use while heating and cooling.
Retrofitting includes activities such as:
- energy-related home-envelope repairs
- replacing appliances
- cosmetic upgrades
This study focused on evaluating the insulation value of windows, doors, and walls related to the material used, its age, and its state of disrepair, and making upgrades.
What were the findings?
- Across all neighborhoods, single large efficiency initiatives showed greatest potential for rodent reduction such as addressing large facade gaps, or HVAC upgrades.Retrofitting is likely to be more successful as a rodent control measure rather than attractant management alone, since it does not rely on enforcement and community buy-in.
- Retrofitting was most effective in reducing rodent populations in neighbourhoods with plenty of park access and low commercial activity.
- Highly efficient homes indirectly reduce rodent populations through supporting predation and restricting access to indoor attractants.
- To support predation of rodents to naturally lower their populations, we need to accept predators in our neighbourhoods (coyotes, skunks, raccoons, etc.) and reduce access to human-sourced foods for all wildlife.
How can you prevent rodents from accessing your home?
- Assess your home for current energy efficient status. Things to consider are how old your home is, what retrofitting options are available to you, and how long it would take to implement retrofitting. You can start by learning about government programs and available rebates.
- If you are considering retrofitting your home, take it one step further and ensure your project uses materials tested for wildlife exclusion!
- Assess your home for sources of wildlife attractants and remove them! This can include feeding companion animals outdoors, fruit trees, garbage, compost, bird feeders, food remnants left on barbeques, or gardens to name a few.
- Assess your local community — are there parks nearby? Perhaps a community garden or compost area? Work together to increase attractant management in these areas.
- Support local coexistence education initiatives to live peacefully with natural predators of rodents in your communities.
Interested in reading the full study? You can find it here.
Reference
Gadsden, G.I., Ferraro, K.M., & Harris, N.C. (2024). Energy efficient homes for rodent control across cityscapes. Environmental Research Letters, 19(084027). https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad5ab5