Rodent problems are always an issue for property owners in the fall months here in Northern Utah. However, they are worse than ever this year due to the pandemic. This is because many restaurants and cafes had to limit operations, leaving rodents with fewer food resources. Unfortunately, this only encourages rodents to look to another source, which is often your home! With rodents competing for limited resources, the CDC has warned that they could be more aggressive than usual. For this reason and because rodent infestations are dangerous, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent rats and mice in your home. The team at Rentokil is here to help.
How to Prevent Rats and Mice During the Pandemic
With everything else going on this year, you definitely don’t want to add a rodent infestation to the pile. Here’s how to keep them out:
- Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
- Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
- Thoroughly clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
- Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
- If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
- Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.
Are Rodents Dangerous Because of COVID-19?
Rodents are a dangerous pest to have on your property during a pandemic or not. There has been a lot of information falsely spread about a link between rodents and the coronavirus. Thankfully, there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. When it comes to rodents during the pandemic, the main thing to worry about is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property. Some of the diseases they have been linked to include salmonellosis and hantavirus.
Need Rodent Control This Fall?
With Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the ideal time to make strides to protecting your property from rodents. A fall rodent infestation can be frustrating and dangerous. If you need assistance with rodent exclusion, our rats and mice exterminators can help. The Rentokil team is committed to keeping you rodent-free all year long.
Here in Utah, we are accustomed to pest problems being less abundant in the fall and winter months. However, it’s important to never let your guard down about termites. Termite colonies are active all year long, even if you may not always see them. These wood-destroying pests most often swarm between March and November. During the colder months, they will sometimes burrow deep down into the soil to keep warm until springtime returns. That said, the queen termite is able to lay eggs all year long, meaning a colony can grow at a constant rate. Because of this, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about preventing termites throughout the entire year. Keep reading to learn more from the termite exterminators at Rentokil!