As if you didn’t already have enough to worry about in 2020, rodent infestations are currently on the rise. With Rodent Awareness Week upon us, now is the time to learn how to protect your property from rats and mice infestations. The pandemic is one of the leading causes of the rise in rodent problems due to restaurant closures. Rodents that once relied on restaurants and bars for food were suddenly deprived of their main resource. And now with the weather changing, they will be drawn inside your own Virginia home not only to escape dropping temperatures outside but to look for food. Keep reading to learn all about the plight of rodents during the pandemic and what you can do to prevent them.

Are Rodents Connected to COVID-19?

There has been a lot of information spread about how rodents are connected to the coronavirus. The good news is that there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. Due to the restaurant shutdowns and lockdowns, there have been several reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources.

While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more. They also can cause structural damage by their nesting and chewing habits. The main concern with rodents right now is their aggressive behavior and abundant populations getting into homes.

Here’s How to Prevent Rodents in 2020

To keep these aggressive rodents far away from your home, you have to make your property less conducive to an infestation! Some of our best tips include:

Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside dime-sized holes
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.
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
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.

Year-Round Rodent Control

Rodent Awareness Week allows our team to focus on the dangers of rodents, which seems more important than ever during the current pandemic. For more information or assistance preventing rats and mice on your property, our rodent exterminators are here to help. Call us today!