Rodents carry diseases that can spread to people by touching contaminated materials, eating food contaminated by rodent droppings or urine or breathing in air containing rodent droppings. Store garbage in rodent-proof containers and regularly clean garbage bins.

Avoid woodpiles or stacks of lumber that touch the building perimeter and cut or remove weeds, brush and dense shrubbery that provide cover and nesting sites. Routinely inspect the building perimeter and around dumpsters for signs of rodent activity.

Community-Based Prevention

Regular rodent prevention can detect early signs of rodent activity. Look for rodent droppings, gnaw marks and tail drag or sebum (dark rub marks) trails along pathways. Watch out for electrical wire and cable gnawing, and watch for squealing or scratching sounds at night from nesting areas.

Rodents are found in residential areas, and commercial properties, and they can carry dangerous diseases that may be transmitted to people. These diseases can spread through direct contact with rodent droppings or through indirect contact such as touching contaminated materials and then your eyes, nose or mouth. Rodent urine and saliva can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Sanitation is the key to controlling rodents. This includes cleaning up garbage, debris and compost piles and removing any weeds or overgrown vegetation that provide shelter for rodents. All firewood should be kept well away from structures and garbage bins need to have tight-fitting lids. Food should be stored in rodent-proof containers and bagged. Pet food should not be left out overnight and litter boxes should have tight-fitting covers. All burrow holes should be plugged, especially those found inside the house.

Keep garbage and recycling bins covered to prevent rodents from entering, and store pet foods in metal or plastic containers. Block openings in sheds and garages with wire wool or mouse mesh, and seal outside doors, windows and crawl spaces. Remove overgrown vegetation around your building; ivy growing on walls can create "rat ladders" to attics and other interior areas.

Pest Management

Rodents can be a significant health risk and a major cause of property damage. They transmit diseases through their droppings and saliva, which contaminate food and surfaces and can exacerbate allergies in humans. The gnawing that rodents do can also lead to structural damage, especially when they chew through ductwork and electrical wiring.

Rodents enter buildings to find food, water and shelter. Food should be stored in rodent-proof containers and spills cleaned up immediately. Garbage should be disposed of on a regular basis and woodpiles should be kept at least 18 inches away from structures. Dense vegetation and ivy should be removed from the sides of buildings and walls as well. Ground cover should be mowed to reduce hiding places for rodents.

In addition, rodents can gnaw through door sweeps and sealants and dock levelers; run along electrical wires; climb on ladders, trellis, fences, vines and trees; and burrow under foundations. To help prevent them, facilities should inspect and reinforce door sweeps and sealants, use rat-resistant doors and windows and install metal sheeting on garages, sheds and outbuildings.

Inspect vulnerable areas frequently, such as custodial closets and laundry rooms, ice cream freezers, vending machines, garages, sill plates and crawl spaces, for signs of rodent activity (droppings, grease marks). Place nontoxic monitoring bait blocks or snap traps in tamper-resistant stations in nonvisible, inaccessible locations.

Pest Control Techniques

Rodents pose a risk to human health by spreading disease. They carry bacteria that can cause a variety of infections, including tularemia, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, jaundice and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. They also spread fleas, lice and ticks that carry a range of diseases. People can become infected by breathing contaminated air, touching contaminated materials and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth, eating contaminated food or drinking water contaminated with rodent droppings.

Homeowners can help control rodents by keeping their properties free of debris, trash and other attractants. They should plant shrubs and trees well away from buildings and regularly remove weeds, brush and garbage from yards and near structures. They should seal entry points to their homes, garages and outbuildings by closing gaps and cracks. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel and rats can enter through holes the size of a quarter. They should place tight-fitting door sweeps on exterior doors and install screens over chimney and vent openings. They should also seal gaps around sinks, pipes and appliances in basements and attics, and close open crawl spaces and attic vents. They should put a layer of steel wool or wire mesh over rat and mice nests and fill mouse holes with caulk or plaster.

Finally, homeowners should regularly clean and mop floors and counters in kitchens, garages, basements and attics, and store foods in sealed containers. They should keep pet food and water dishes inside the house, and remove rotting food and plants from garden areas. They should use non-toxic deterrents if they have fruit or nut trees and plant members of the mint family in and around gardens to repel rodents.

Prevention Tips

Rodents invade homes and businesses looking for food, water, shelter and warmth. While they may not appear to be dangerous, rodent droppings and urine can spread bacteria that cause disease in humans. Taking preventative steps to remove food, water and shelter can help keep these pests away.

Inspect your home or business regularly. Look for evidence of rodent and pest activity, such as chewed holes in wires and walls, droppings around food packages and under sinks, stale smells and rodent tracks. Store foods in sealed containers and clean up food spillage, especially in hard-to-reach places like stove sides and under appliances. Keep garbage cans with tight lids, and store outdoor trash in rodent-proof containers. Keep vegetation trimmed and away from buildings. Keep firewood stacks 18 inches off the ground and clear away leaf litter and shrub debris that can serve as hiding places.

Close off any cracks or holes wider than a quarter inch, inside and out, with materials such as caulking or steel wool. Seal cracks around the foundation of your home and in the basement or attic, as well as doors, vents, windows and screens. Also, check and repair any leaky pipes and faucets. Disinfect any contaminated surfaces and materials (including traps) with household or general-purpose disinfectant, wearing rubber or latex gloves. Discard dead rodents and their nesting material, rinsing and disinfecting any gloves before handling them again.

Conclusion

When it comes to rodent prevention, knowledge is your greatest asset. By leveraging the resources available from local pest control services, online guides and articles, government health departments, university extension programs, community workshops, and DIY pest control stores, you can arm yourself with the information and tools needed to keep rodents at bay effectively. So, take proactive steps today to safeguard your home, business, and health from the threat of rodent infestations.