News came out recently that some chipmunks in California were found to be carrying the plague. That’s a stark reminder that rodents can spread disease so it’s best to keep them far away from your home and remove them if they’ve already taken up residence.
The plague is an example of the worst type of disease a rodent carries but did you know that you can get Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever not just directly from a tick but also indirectly from rodents? A bite from a mouse is not the only way to catch a disease although it might be better if that were the case since unless you play with mice a bite seems unlikely. It’s coming in contact with the droppings, or even saliva (and how would you know?) from an infected mouse that can transmit disease to you.
How do you know if you have rodents in your home? Obviously seeing them is clue number one, but rodents leave plenty of telltale signs. They chew, so odd gnaw marks around baseboards, windows, doors, or in attics can be a giveaway. Rodents also tend to travel along the same paths leaving behind footprints and rub marks. Another prime piece of evidence is to find that something has been chewing into that bag of pet food you store in the garage, or into the cereal you keep in a pantry. If you see the signs, call in pest control experts to rid your home of whatever is living and eating there.
If your home is pest-free, how do you keep rodents from ever entering? A mouse can squeeze through an opening the size of a nickel so keeping them out is challenging, but not impossible. Most rodents choose to enter garages or sheds which are usually not as well sealed as homes and have the added benefit of not having as much human traffic. A shed becomes the perfect place for a rodent to raise a family. Don’t put out the welcome mat.
Do a walkthrough of your home, inside and out, and look for gaps and holes. Don’t forget attics and crawlspaces which offer the easiest access from the outdoors. Doors and windows, vents, outlets, fireplaces, and areas behind kitchen appliances all commonly have gaps that are perfect entryways for rodents. Weather seal tape can help fill the gaps. Small holes can be closed with steel wool and caulk. For larger holes visit your local hardware store and see what they recommend or you can always turn to YouTube. Turn your home into a closed-off fortress that the enemy can’t enter.
If you find it’s already too late, and the rodents have decided to become your roommates, give Northwest Pest Control a call. We’re happy to help you take back your home and offer advice on keeping your space pest-free in the future.