It’s Rodent Awareness Week, and rodent infestations are on the rise. Due to the pandemic, reports of rodent sightings have surged. But why? Back when the coronavirus hit and restaurants began to shutter, rats and mice were suddenly deprived of their food sources. Especially here in Atlanta, this led to more infestations as rodents entered residential homes in search of resources. With the seasons changing as we speak, rodents during the pandemic are even more inclined to be indoors this time of year to stay warm. With infestations on the rise during the pandemic, now is the time to learn how to effectively prevent rodent problems in your property. The team at Active Pest Control is here to help.

Rodent Infestations During a Pandemic

Rodents are known to spread 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:

1. 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.
2. The surge in rodent activity leads to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues.
3. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more.
4. Once inside your home, rodents can cause damage with their chewing and nesting habits.

Preventing Rodents During COVID-19

The last thing you want to deal with this year is a rat or mouse problem inside your property. To avoid the frustration of an infestation, implement the following rodent prevention tips:

1. Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
2. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
3. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
4. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed.
5. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Rodent Awareness Week 2020

Here at Active Pest Control, we aim to help educate our customers every Rodent Awareness Week. Now more than ever with rodent problems on the rise, it’s important to learn how to keep rats and mice out of your home. If you need assistance keeping rodents out of your Atlanta GA home, our rodent exterminators are standing by to help. Contact us today to learn more!