With everything else going on this year, the last thing you have time to deal with is a rodent infestation. Unfortunately, rats and mice are more rampant than ever right now in due part to the pandemic. When restaurants and bars shut down here in Washington, rodents were suddenly deprived of their once-reliable food source. This has directly correlated to a rise in residential rodent problems. And with the weather getting colder, rats and mice will be looking to make themselves at home in your property soon. Because rodent infestations can be so dangerous, it’s crucial to learn how you can protect your property from rats and mice. With Rodent Awareness Week upon us, Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest is here to share their top tips for prevention.
Why Are Rodents More Aggressive During the Pandemic?
The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While their presence may be more prevalent than ever, you thankfully do not need to worry about rodents transmitting COVID-19 to you or your family.
That said, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. They also can cause significant damage to your home. Because rodents are competing for more food sources, they have been a tad more aggressive as of late. This can lead to more dangerous infestations in your home, making it crucial to learn how to prevent them.
Prevent Rodent Problems In Your Home
To avoid a rodent infestation, try out our top tips for preventing them:
- 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.
- Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
- 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.
Rodent Awareness Week 2020
Rodent Awareness Week may just be a week out of the year, but Western strives to educate our customers about the dangers of rodents all year long. With infestations on the rise, now is the time to protect your home. Our rodent exterminators can help. Contact us today to learn more!