Rodent Control Prevents Disease

Rats and mice carry a slew of diseases and are just not pleasant to have around. If these little furry visitors have moved into your home or business, it抯 time to take some firm steps toward rodent...

Rats and mice carry a slew of diseases and are just not pleasant to have around. If these little furry visitors have moved into your home or business, it抯 time to take some firm steps toward rodent control.

Some diseases brought about by rodents directly and indirectly include:

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: This is caused by white footed mice, cotton and rice rats, or deer mouse. H.P.S. appears in the form of a virus and occurs in North and South America. It can spread by bites, direct contact with the animals or their excrement and breathing dust which has been contaminated by their urine or excrement.

Leptospirosis: This is caused by bacteria and occurs globally. It can be spread via food or water that has been contaminated with rodent urine.

Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis: This is a virus caused by a house-mouse. It occurs globally and is caused by bite wounds, direct contact or breathing in contaminated dust.

The Plague: This occurs in the United States, South America, Africa and Asia. Wild rodents, wood rats, prairie dogs and fox squirrels can be carriers. It spreads by either direct contact with an infected animal or even their fleas. This is a bacterial disease.

The three steps in rodent control are seal up, trap up and clean up.

To seal up, a homeowner must make certain that there are no ways for rats and mice to get into their property. These animals can squeeze through even the tiniest of openings, so everything must be tightly sealed. Weatherproofing doors and windows as well as sealing cracks will eliminate entryways for the tiny creatures.

To trap, there are a variety of methods, including classic mousetraps that are baited with peanut butter or cheese that snap shut, or bait which will poison them or a sticky paper which will they will attach to upon crossing. There are even humane live catch and release methods which work well. Rats tend to be more cautious and won抰 always fall for the traps right away. Be patient. Mice are not quite as bright and will be caught more easily.

To clean up, all droppings and nests must be completely eradicated. All areas must be kept free of any type of food source, including dried beans and pasta. All foods must be kept in tightly sealed containers or inside the refrigerator.
Get the rodents under control; protect your home and protect your family from these carriers of dangerous health risks.