Bureau of Community Hygiene Sanitation and Rodent-Proofing The most important aspects of a pest control program are sanitation and structural maintenance. Schedule refuse disposal and pickup so that garbage is not exposed (inside or outside) at night. Make sure that your refuse disposal contract is written with a time frame for pickup and a cancellation clause. Use rodent-proof dumpsters, compactors, and trash cans and inspect them regularly for breakage or gaps. Use a central refuse storage area that is cleaned and washed daily. Design and maintain landscaping to limit dense ground covers and shrubs that can provide harborage, and exposed soil that may be used for burrowing. Use heavyweight gravel or landscape fabric to discourage burrowing. Seal utility ducts and similar openings in buildings, especially in basements or crawlspaces. Eliminate gaps under outside, garage, and loading-dock doors.