Rodent Awareness Week is upon us, and there’s no better time to discuss the topic of rodents during our current pandemic. Months ago, the CDC warned of the rise of aggressive rodents. But what’s the reasoning behind this? When restaurants and bars came under new restrictions, rodents were suddenly deprived of their usually abundant food source! This has since risen to a surge in rodent infestations inside of homes. Rats and mice are normally one of the most common pest problems this time of year, but their presence is exacerbated by the pandemic this year. At Heron Home & Outdoor, we are committed to protecting our customers from rodents all year—read on to learn how you can prevent an infestation this fall.

Is There a Link Between Rodents & Coronavirus?

While rats have been known to carry certain coronaviruses, there is currently no evidence that they carry or transmit the strain causing COVID-19. Here’s what to know about rodents during the pandemic:

1. 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.
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.

Tips to Prevent Rodent Infestations in 2020

Rodents may not transmit COVID-19, but they are still dangerous. To avoid the frustration of an infestation, implement the following rodent prevention tips:

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

Pandemic Rats in Florida

If you’ve noticed more rodents this year, you’re not alone. To keep them out of your home, it’s crucial to implement prevention and exclusion tactics. The rodent exterminators at Heron can help. Contact our team today to learn more about what we can do to safeguard your property against these pests.