iPest Solutions shares prevention tips for homeowners to help keep rodents out
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has declared October 18-24, 2020 as Rodent Awareness Week, an annual observance recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events to promote greater awareness about the threats rodents pose to health and property. New research conducted on behalf of NPMA in partnership with Advance Symbolics Inc. found that there were more than 11 million online engagements on the topic of rats as a health and home issue in July 2020, and a 16 percent increase in rodent sightings in the kitchen in homes across America during that same timeframe. To keep the public safe from the health and home hazards posed by rodents this fall, iPest Solutions , with the help of NPMA, is raising awareness of this important effort by educating homeowners on how they can prevent a rodent infestation.
“Mice and rats are a problem year-round, but they are estimated to invade 21 million U.S. homes each fall and winter specifically, making proper prevention during those months of the utmost importance.” said John Fell, COO at iPest Solutions . “Not only do they cause damage to homes by chewing through wiring and drywall, but they are also a major health hazard. Rodents are capable of transmitting 200 different pathogens and 35 diseases to humans, including hantavirus and Salmonella, and can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children. Rodents breed at an alarming rate, so it’s important to reach out to a licensed pest control professional for assistance if an infestation is suspected.”
To help homeowners spot and stop an infestation before it takes hold, iPest Solutions is sharing the following key rodent prevention tips:
- Seal any cracks or crevices with an appropriate sealant, paying close attention to where utilities and pipes entire the home
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows
- Keep basements and attics clean and dry and store boxes off of the floor
- Screen all vents, windows, doors and chimneys
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground
- Keep shrubbery and tree branches cut back from the house
- Eliminate all moisture sites around the home, including leaking pipes and clogged drains
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage outdoors regularly
- Contact a licensed pest control professional if an infestation is suspected
For more information about rodents, please visit www.wacopest.com
