Rodent Awareness Week 2023 

A Week-Long Opportunity to Explore Why Rodent Control Is Essential  

Eeek! Rodents are among the most common pests infesting homes, businesses, and other properties in the United States.  

Although more than 20 million American homeowners see rodents in their homes, many people aren’t aware that the dangers go beyond the presence of an unwanted critter in their midst. That’s why the National Pest Management Association’s Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) created Rodent Awareness Week, which begins this year on October 22. 

Over the course of these seven days, USX Pest Control and other pest control companies work to help educate homeowners and businesses about the risks of rodent infestations. This week-long event is perfectly timed to coincide with the season when many people notice an increase in rats and mice migrating indoors. It is designed to arm you with the information you need to recognize the signs of an infestation and understand the damage and danger that rodents pose. 

In the spirit of Rodent Awareness Week 2023, let’s explore some essential details about rodent activity and the damage these animals can do.  

Raising Awareness of the Damages and Harm Rodents Can Cause  

PPMA created Rodent Awareness Week with the intention of making people aware of the threats rodents can pose. From making messes to creating structural damage to carrying diseases and other pests indoors, these small critters can be very harmful to buildings, people, and pets. 

Rodent-Borne Diseases 

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that wild mice, rats, and other rodents can carry many different diseases. Although the rodents may not appear to be ill, contact with feces, urine, and saliva can transmit dangerous pathogens to humans and animals. Contaminated air and food can also spread diseases. Some of the common rodent-borne illnesses include:  

• Parasitic illnesses like tapeworms, giardia, and cryptosporidiosis: These parasites can cause intestinal symptoms like watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Bacterial illnesses like tularemia, leptospirosis, and rat bite fever: These conditions can cause symptoms like fever, headache, joint pain, and possibly even organ damage if left untreated. 
• Viruses like hantavirus, hemorrhagic fever, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis: Like bacterial diseases, rodent-borne viruses can be life threatening when left untreated.  

Carrying Other Pests Indoors 

Not only do rodents carry pathogens themselves, but they may also bring other pests inside with them. Fleas, mites, and ticks create secondary infestations and pose a health risk. These insects may harbor germs that cause allergic reactions, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and other diseases.  

Damage to Properties 

Rats and mice may be relatively small in stature, but they can do significant amounts of damage. For example, rodents often burrow into insulation, upholstery, and other soft materials to build their nests. Additionally, they may break into your pantry in search of food items, gnaw on electrical wires and structural elements, and leave droppings wherever they roam.  

Signs of Rodent Activity  

Data suggests that some of the most common hotspots for catching sight of these pesky critters include the garage, kitchen, and basement, but these aren’t the only places rodents like to burrow, nest, and wreak havoc. That’s why it’s critical to familiarize yourself with the signs of rodent infestations, which include the following: 

• Live Rodents: Seeing a mouse or a rat is a sure sign, but it can be rare until the infestation is substantial because rodents are typically nocturnal.  
• Droppings: Rodents are messy little creatures that leave dark droppings between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch long in their wake. Rodent droppings look like grains of rice and can often be found near food, under cabinets, inside cupboards, and behind appliances. 
• Gnaw Marks: Inspect food packages, baseboards, cabinets, and furniture. Rodents will gnaw on just about anything, including walls and floors. 
• Rub Marks and Stale Smells: Do you smell dank, musty odors in out-of-the way spots? It could be caused by rodents. Likewise, greasy-looking streaks and tracks on floors, walls, and baseboards can indicate rodent activity. 
• Nighttime Noises: Rodents are more active at night. You might hear scurrying or scratching in walls or squeaking noises at night. 

Rodent Treatment and Prevention  

Did you know that a single mouse could have 12 babies as frequently as every three weeks? Rodents reproduce at a lightning fast pace, which is why calling for professional rodent control at the first signs of rodents is so essential.  

Left unchecked, even one rodent can quickly grow into an out-of-control situation, putting homes and structures at risk. Even worse, it puts the health of people and pets within those structures in possible jeopardy.  

That’s why USX Pest uses a robust three-step process to remove rodents. Once the pests are eliminated, our technicians thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas and seal off entryways to prevent them from returning. It all starts with a free, thorough inspection to assess how and why they’re getting in and to create a plan tailored to each property. 

We also offer our Platinum Home Protection program for homes and businesses. The program features ongoing monitoring and preventive treatments to provide the ultimate peace of mind. 

How You Can Help Prevent an Infestation  

Although removal isn’t a DIY project, you can take steps to make your home, business, or other type of property less attractive to rodents. Some of the preventive actions you can take include the following: 

Close Off Potential Entry Points 

Removing rodents is one thing. Keeping them out is everything. Sealing gaps and cracks helps, but USX Pest’s Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Systems provide a permanent barrier to protect targeted areas. They provide a safe, humane, chemical-free, long-term option. 

Cleaning and Sanitizing 

Not only can regular cleaning and sanitation help ward off rodents, but it can also minimize the risk of diseases. Wipe down counters and appliances, promptly clean up spills, and sanitize drains to prevent buildup and eliminate lingering food debris. 

Secure Food and Garbage 

Minimizing rodents’ access to food can make your property significantly less attractive to rodents. Use tight-fitting lids on all indoor and outdoor garbage containers. Store all human and pet food in hard plastic, glass, or metal containers. 

Clear Up Clutter and Debris 

Rodents love nesting in piles and sheltered areas. Outdoors, be sure to clean up leaf piles, yard waste, and other debris. Trim your landscaping away from your home or building and create a barrier between your property and wooded areas. Indoors, reduce clutter and eliminate piles of boxes, papers, or old clothes to reduce possible nesting spots. 

Schedule a Free Inspection from USX Pest Control 

What is rodent awareness if not an opportunity to take charge of your home? Now that you know some of the dangers of rodents and the signs to look out for, take the next step. Contact us to schedule an inspection with our skilled, licensed team today to get rid of rodents on your property.