Rodents Turn Rampant During the Coronavirus

Every year, Des Moines residents deal with an influx of rodent problems in the fall. This year, the infestations are worse than ever due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is mostly due in part to the restaurant closures—the lack of food sources for rats and mice has caused them to be more aggressive in competing for food sources. And now with the weather changing, they will be drawn inside your own home not only to escape dropping temperatures outside but to look for food. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to help clear the air about rodents during the pandemic and to provide tips on preventing them. Keep reading to learn more.

What to Know About Rodents During the Coronavirus

Rat and mouse sightings may be at an all-time high right now, but thankfully there’s no reason to worry about them spreading COVID-19. The main concern with rats and mice currently is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. An infestation can also result in structural damage to your property, making it all the more important to prevent them.

Prevent Rodents With These 5 Tips

To avoid an infestation, it’s important to know how to make your property less appealing to rodents in the first place. Here are our top tips:

1. Securely store your food. Place all food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
2. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
3. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
4. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
5. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Are Rodents More Dangerous During the Pandemic?

While rodent infestations are on the rise, they remain as dangerous as ever. The last thing you want is their germs and destruction inside your property. If you need assistance safeguarding your home, the experts at Springer can help. Contact our rodent exterminators today for help!