Rodents

While you might think of mice and rats as simply a nuisance, their presence in your home can significantly impact your health, especially children and individuals with asthma or allergies.

What are Rodents?

Rodents are a member of the mammal family and include mice and rats. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and occupy a vast array of habitats. Rodents are highly adaptable and thrive in human environments.

Common rodents found in the home include: 

• House mice: Small, typically grayish-brown, with a long tail. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various indoor environments. Mice have the ability to jump 12 inches up and down 8 feet to the floor. They can run up almost any vertical surface, squeeze through 1/4-inch diameter hole, swim well, and survive at 24° F.
• Rats: Larger in size compared to mice. Most common rats include the black or roof rat and the brown or Norway rat. The Norway rat is found in every state of the U.S. while the roof rat can be found in coastal states. Rats tend to be more active at night. They can pass through openings as small as ¾ inch, climb vertical surfaces, and can jump 24 inches and survive falls more than 50 feet. They are excellent swimmers and may enter buildings through drains and toilets.

How do Rodents Impact Health?

Rodent fur, along with protein found in their urine is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Inhaling these allergens can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. 

For individuals with asthma, exposure to rodent allergens is a well-known trigger for asthma attacks. These allergens can inflame the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Studies have consistently shown that indoor rodent infestations can lead to the development and worsening of asthma, particularly in children.

Rodents can also carry and spread various diseases to humans through direct contact, bites or contamination of food and surfaces. These diseases include hantavirus, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis. 

How to Protect Against Rodents

Preventing and controlling rodent infestations is crucial for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Here are some steps you can take:

Prevention:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home's foundation and exterior walls for any cracks or openings and seal them with appropriate materials. Pay attention to areas around pipes, vents, and utility lines.
• Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills. Avoid leaving food or dirty dishes out overnight.
• Manage Garbage: Keep garbage in tightly covered bins and dispose of it regularly.
• Reduce Clutter: Eliminate clutter where rodents can hide and nest.
• Trim Vegetation: Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from your home's exterior to limit access.

Control:

• Trapping: Snap traps and live traps can be effective for catching rodents. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and handle trapped rodents carefully.
• Professional Pest Control: For significant infestations, consider contacting a qualified pest control professional. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively eliminate rodents.

Learn more about mice and how to prevent them in the home in the video below.