Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests. These should be kept in sealed metal or glass containers to prevent contamination.Ĭlear out the clutter. Small crumbs and garbage are popular food sources, as are dry goods such as grains and cereals.
To help residents avoid the potential health and safety risks associated with rodents, Orkin recommends the following tips to help prevent rats and mice in and around the home:
The good news is, while a surging world-wide pandemic feels largely out of control, a rat infestation is manageable and preventable. They can also spread diseases such as Hantavirus and Plague, specifically in the Western U.S., both of which while uncommon, can be fatal. Rodents are capable of contaminating food through pathogens that can cause food poisoning or Leptospirosis. "Unfortunately, rodents can cause great damage in and around homes," said Hottel.īeyond structural damage, there are multiple health issues associated with rodents, and during a time of continued heightened awareness around virus transmission, preventing rodents and the harmful pathogens they carry is critical. They have oversized front teeth that can gnaw a variety of items, including electrical wires, water pipes and gas lines. Rodents are known to cause severe structural damage with their strong jaws and burrowing skills. After a year of depleted resources, residential properties offer the ideal habitat for rodents, and once they've settled in, they're capable of reproducing rapidly and in large quantities." "Rodents are experts at sniffing out food and shelter, and they're resilient in their ways to obtain both. "As people resume normal activities, food availability will rise," says Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. With more time spent around the home than ever before, residents should pay extra attention to the attractants that entice rats and mice. population faces a "new normal," managing an influx in rodent populations and activity in major cities across the country should remain a top concern. In fact, per Bloomberg, in New York City alone, the number of rodent complaints to a city hotline in March 2021 surged by 80%, and the number is also higher than pre-pandemic levels.Īs the U.S. Thanks to their human neighbors being back in houses and apartments, food and water sources have been replenished for rodents. The presence of rodents became so relevant that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued Rodent Control guidance on ways to keep rats and mice out of homes and businesses.Īs urban residents started to return to their city homes after the mass exodus following the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, so did rat populations. Without food waste to consume, these pests were seen scavenging new areas and exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior. The pandemic-driven closure of restaurants forced rodents to find new food sources. During an unprecedented last year, the visibility of rodents increased, creating concern for homeowners and business owners alike.