We live in a crazy time. With the Coronavirus still raging here in the United States and in much of the world, Preventive Pest Control is continuing to operate under the highest safety protocols to protect both our customers and employees. As an essential business, we understand that when it comes to pests, some services just can’t wait. One such service we are providing more and more: rodent control.
Because municipalities across the country have closed restaurants and other commercial establishments in droves, there are now masses of rodents throughout the United States who have been deprived of their main food source. In urban communities that are highly populated with commercial businesses, this has sent rodents flooding out into the streets, and occasionally, into people’s homes in search of sustenance. Fortunately, the CDC has issued guidelines for what to expect in jurisdictions that may be experiencing an uptick in unusual or even aggressive rodent encounters. Keep reading for more on what the CDC says about rodents and COVID-19, and remember that if you are looking for rodent treatment and extermination from skilled professionals, you can always call Preventive Pest Control.
Tips for Successful Rodent Control & Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- Reduce Conditions That Attract Rodents: While this is true year-round for homeowners in areas where a rodent infestation is more likely, it is now particularly important to do everything you can to eliminate conditions that attract rodents. For starters, seal and weatherstrip windows, doors, and other openings as much as possible. A mouse can squeeze its body through a hole roughly the size of a penny, while some rats can fit through holes the diameter or a quarter. On top of this, it is key to keep your garbage in tightly covered bins, remove heavy vegetation around your property, get rid of pet and bird feeders in your yard, and generally keep your property tidy. NEVER leave garbage debris or food lying out, as this is a recipe for attracting rodents and other pests. In addition to doing all these things to rat-proof your home, you should also call Preventive Pest Control for rodent exclusion. You can't have a rodent infestation on your property if you never have to deal with rodents in the first place. That's why our expert exclusion services are designed to keep rats and mice out of your house at the points they enter, so you stay protected from rodents all year long.
- Do Not Be Fooled by a Decrease in Rodent Activity Following Extreme Weather: It is not uncommon after a community experiences a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood to see the rodent population decline. However, this decrease in rodents is often followed by a sharp increase when things go “back to normal,” as it were. During the pandemic, this phenomenon may be exacerbated by rodents’ desperation to find food (shifting weather patterns due to climate change is also something to consider.) If you have recently experienced an extreme weather event in your community, do not assume the rodents have been killed off or fled for good. In times such as these, rodent control stations may need to be monitored more frequently, so never hesitate to contact our experts at Preventive Pest Control for assistance.
- Make Sure All Rodent Infestations Are Properly Cleaned Up: Let’s get one thing straight right now—you are unlikely to get Coronavirus from a rodent infestation. Current research indicates that it is possible for animals to carry COVID-19, but the risk of animals transmitting the novel Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 to humans is thought to be very low. Yet there is still so much we don't know about this strain of Coronavirus. That's why Preventive Pest Control has actually been working with Fordham University to help determine the possibility of rats being a vector of COVID. In providing samples for researchers to dissect, we are proud to be doing our small part to help fight this deadly disease. However, even if the chance of catching COVID from a rat is 0%, it’s important to keep in mind that rats and mice carry other diseases, too. Fleas are common in rodents as well, and may also transmit diseases to humans. In a time where protecting your health is so important, it is essential to ensure your property is always thoroughly cleaned following a rodent infestation. Not only is leaving rodent waste around unsanitary, it’s also likely to attract more rodents to your home. Luckily for you, our professionals at Preventive Pest Control know how to ensure your property is completely safe following all infestations and that preventative measures have been put in place to stop infestations from reoccurring in the future.
For safe, effective rodent control during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, make sure to call Preventive Pest Control at (713) 955-7405, or click here to send us a message online.