READING, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With cooler weather setting early this fall, protecting your property from rodent infestation needs to be top of mind for every homeowner or building manager. A recent survey from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) found nearly half of all infestations happen in the fall and winter months. In the northeast, 35 percent of survey respondents reported a rodent infestation last year, the highest percentage in any geographic area. The Rentokil pest control companies in North America (Ehrlich Pest Control, Western Exterminator, and Presto-X Pest Control), warn that rodents can cause more than just an annoyance if they gain entrance inside.
The accumulation of rodent feces can spread bacteria, trigger allergic reactions in humans and cause diseases such as salmonella and Hantavirus. Rodent gnawing will cause product damage and food spoilage, and their droppings make the environment unsanitary in relatively short periods of time. For homeowners rodent infestations can be costly if not contained early. For business owners, especially in the food service and hospitality sectors, brand reputation can suffer greatly, leading to business lost as well as the potential for regulatory agencies —federal, state or local— to impact business continuity.
“The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports that rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter, threatening the health of families and damaging property through their gnawing and nesting habits,” said Nancy Troyano, PhD and entomologist for Rentokil. "Mice can enter a structure through very small openings including cracks as small as a dime, making it easy for them to find a way indoors and quickly cause a full-blown infestation.”
It's much easier to prevent an infestation than to get rid of these pests. The following tips are recommended to keep rodent-free during fall and winter:
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter, using caulk or sealant, steel wool or a combination of both.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
- Don’t leave pet food bowls outside overnight and ensure trash can lids are on tight.
- Inspect items such as used furniture, boxes and other packages brought into the home.
Troyano advises homeowners and businesses to also be on the lookout for signs of an infestation. “If you find rodent feces or hear sounds of scurrying in the walls, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect the home for rodents and eliminate the infestation.”
