Follow these guidelines to keep rats and other unwanted critters away.

• Do not leave any food outside and do not place your garbage out early.

• Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop critters from feeding on contents.

• Clean around the house – less clutter means fewer places to hide.

• Clean up pet food and bird seed debris.

• Keep gardens free from debris and keep clutter to a minimum.

• If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste as that will attract rats and critters.