The Rise of Rodents During COVID-19

With everything else going on this year, the last thing you want to deal with is a rodent infestation. Unfortunately, rodent problems are on the rise due to the pandemic. When restaurants, bars, and cafes were put under regulations to limit operations, rats and mice were suddenly depleted of their number one source of food. This in turn emboldened rodents to turn to residential properties for food, shelter, and water. Paired with their tendency to get indoors to escape dropping temperatures this time of year, the chances of rodent infestations in your home are high. That said, you don’t have to let rodents indoors at all if you know how to seal your property to them. This Rodent Awareness Week, the experts at Vermont Pest Control are sharing their top tips for preventing rats and mice.

Rodents in the Time of Coronavirus

Rodents have been tied to a number of dangerous diseases, but what about COVID-19? While rats and mice have been linked to certain coronaviruses, there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting the current strain (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Here’s what to know about rodents during the pandemic:

• Due to the restaurant shutdowns and lockdowns, there have been a number of 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.
• Once inside your home, rodents can cause damage with their chewing and nesting habits.

How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

Keeping rodents out requires sealing the spots through which they could enter. Some of the best ways to make your property less attractive to rats and mice include:

1. Securely storing food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
2. Using caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
3. Installing mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
4. Using tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
5. Protecting eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Rodent Infestations During COVID-19

At Vermont Pest Control, we make sure to inform our customers every Rodent Awareness Week about the dangers of rats and mice. This year is especially important with the ongoing rise in infestations during the pandemic. For help protecting your property from the dangers of rodents throughout the year, contact our rodent exterminators today!