Reports of rodent infestations increase dramatically in the NYC/New Jersey area this time of year because of cooler weather and decreased natural food resources. Being the opportunistic and persevering creatures that they are, rats and mice are now actively seeking warmer, more food-rich havens in which to live during the upcoming winter months–which means your building is at a high risk for becoming a winter vacation spot for rats and mice. So in review of Rodent Awareness Week (November 16-22), Assured Environments would like to offer our readers the following “rodent awareness” tips:
-
Eliminating an infestation as soon as it is discovered is vital to preventing extensive building damage and protecting the health of its occupants. Rodents are potential vectors of several diseases, including salmonella, rat-bite fever, jaundice and murine typhus.
-
When inspecting buildings for signs of rodent infestations, facility managers should look for droppings along walls, on top of beams or studs and inside containers and cabinets.
-
Performing rodent inspections at night when everything is quiet makes it easier for building managers to hear telltale scurrying and squeaking sounds made by hyperactive rodents nesting and finding food.
-
Rodent gnaw marks are recognizable by their tiny size, roughness and vertical appearance. Rats and mice need to gnaw every day to prevent their teeth from growing too large.
-
Make sure to inspect all dark, secluded areas that are minimally interrupted by human activity. Rodents also love to nest in insulation or use insulation to make nests so checking attics and crawl spaces is strongly recommended.
-
Look for holes and cracks in your building’s foundation as well as screen damage and loose mortar lying around the building’s perimeter. An opening could exist that may not be readily visible. Be aware that mice can squeeze their little bodies through openings no bigger than a dime!
For more valuable information about rodents, visit Assured Environment’s pest management sections about mice and rats or call us today to learn more about Rodent Awareness Week and how we can help your building remain rodent-free all year long.