Did you know humans aren’t the only creatures struggling with COVID- 19? A number of mammals are also susceptible to the virus. Their ability to contract and carry COVID creates what researchers call an “animal reservoir” where coronavirus can remain unaffected by vaccines and other preventative measures.
Rodents like mice and rats are among the probable carriers. They typically live on the fringes of human habitation, where there’s shelter and a ready supply of food. Normally, these creatures prefer to sneak around in the shadows, avoiding contact with people and pets. The coming of COVID changed that, though maybe not for the reasons you’d expect. Here’s why…
To prevent coronavirus from spreading, many jurisdictions closed or limited service at commercial establishments, especially restaurants. For centuries, rodents have feasted on discarded food and trash from bars and eateries. The scarcity of food caused them to look elsewhere, and prompted a migration from commercial districts to residential areas.
Not only have large numbers of rodents started foraging for food in uncommon areas, their hunger has driven them to become more aggressive. Agencies in larger cities report a measurable uptick in rodent attacks. New York is a good example. There, rodents have begun foraging openly in backyards…even attacking household pets in their quest for a meal. There has also a noticeable increase in cannibalism within rodent colonies.
It’s not uncommon during winter months to encounter a rodent that’s made its way onto your property or inside your house. Their presence has always brought a certain amount of danger, but even more now we know they can carry COVID, and that their aggressive tendencies are on the rise.
Beside coronavirus, rats and mice are known to spread more than 35 other diseases, including deadly hantavirus. You can become infected directly by touching live or dead rodents, by contacting their bodily wastes and saliva, and through bites. You can also contract these diseases indirectly from rodent-borne fleas, ticks, and mites.
How do you combat these marauders? Here are four measures to guard against an invasion:
Step 1: Take Away Their Food
Rodents will eat anything. You’ve got to get rid of their food to get rid of them. Common food sources include wild bird food (including feeders); chicken feed; pet food; pet waste; compost that hasn’t been rodent proofed; fallen fruit from trees; and garbage.
Remove or cover these sources in tightly-sealed containers to keep rodents from being attracted to your place.
Step 2: Eliminate Them
Trapping is the best way to eliminate mice, rats and other rodents, both indoors and outdoors. Snap traps (sometimes called “sticky traps”) are inexpensive and effective. Peanut butter is a good bait.
Set traps in areas with a lot of activity. Rodents tend to run along solid structures, so place traps next to a wall, fence line or foundation.
Rodenticides (poisons) are available but are not your best choice. Take great care if you deploy them. The biggest problem with their use is that It’s nearly impossible to control what creature(s) will actually eat the poison. This is true inside and outside. There’s a possibility a benign animal, a pet, or even a child will ingest some toxins. Also, there’s a chance a rodent will die inside a wall and produce an odor for weeks.
Always use a secured bait station to keep poisons away from children, pets, and other animals.
Step 3: Keep Them Out of Your House
Check for openings where mice and rats could enter. Remember, they are very flexible. Even a large mouse can enter through a 1/2-inch hole! Be sure to look where pipes or wires enter your buildings; under eaves; around foundations; and at doors and windows. Seal these openings with appropriate materials: concrete, 1/4 inch steel mesh, steel wool, or use spray foam to seal openings.
You should also seal crawl spaces and attics. Make sure your weather stripping is intact, and look closely at unscreened windows. Replace missing pieces to limit access. Trim overhanging branches to make it harder for rats to climb aboard your roof.
Finally, if you have a pet door, make sure it’s the type designed to keep pests out.
Step 4: Keep Them Off Your Property
Rats will nest in piles of garbage and junk; under stacks of wood and lumber; under berry bushes, shrubs, vines, and ornamental grasses; and in holes under paved areas (like driveways and sidewalks.)
Remove debris from your property, and store wood/lumber 18 inches above the ground. Trim bushes, shrubs, and bushes to expose the underside to light. Fill washed out areas under pavement to prevent vermin from making a home there.
Rodents in or around your buildings are a cause for serious concern that require fast attention. Should you be unable to deal with them in a timely manner, or if they discover they’ve already infested your place contact us by text or telephone ASAP. We’ll care for your situation in the safest and most effective manner, and keep you safe from these unwanted invaders!
