Rodents are infesting more homes during the pandemic in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

Rats and mice are typically common this time of year, but 2020 is seeing a surge in rodent activity due to the pandemic. With the shutdowns and restrictions put on restaurants and bars, rodents suddenly were deprived of their normal food source. This in turn caused them to look to residential homes for sustenance. Now with the weather getting colder, rodents will look to make their way inside your home for the coming months. This Rodent Awareness Week, it’s important to learn how to protect your home from rodents and all of the dangers they bring. Keep reading for expert tips from the team at Leo’s.

Rodents & Coronavirus

Rodents may be responsible for transmitting some of the world’s worst diseases, but COVID-19 is thankfully not one of them. Although there is no evidence to suggest that they are spreading this disease, there are still other diseases they are linked to. Also, a rodent infestation at any time can lead to structural damage.

Restaurant closures have caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice become bolder in their hunt for resources. This directly correlates to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, it remains crucial to keep these pests out and away from your home all year long.

Prevention Tips for Rodents

Now is the time to protect your property from rodents and the damage they can cause. Leo’s best rodent prevention tips are as follows.

Securely store all food in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Clean inside the house and around the garden. Less clutter means fewer places to hide.
Put outdoor garbage bags in metal garbage cans with securely fitted lids to stop them from feeding on contents.
Seal off cracks and crevices around openings. Mice can squeeze inside holes the size of a dime.
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.
If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
Inspect your garage, attic, crawlspaces, and vents for potential rodent hiding spots.

Dealing With Rodents This Fall?

As mentioned previously, rodents are more abundant (and more aggressive) than ever. If you find yourself with a rodent infestation, it’s important to act fast. The rodent exterminators at Leo’s Pest Control can work with you to implement a custom rodent control plan. Contact us today to learn more.