Some animals and pests hibernate during winter, giving homeowners less to worry about. What doesn’t go away, however, are rodents. Even during the colder months, they stay active, seeking warmth, shelter, and food, and homes are the perfect places to find these.
Because of this, we must take precautions to prevent rodents from taking shelter in our living spaces, and in the case of an infestation, get help to remove them immediately. Here are some of the risks that they pose and why our houses should always be free from winter rodents:
The Spread of Pathogens
Rodents can spread disease through direct and indirect transmission. Direct transmission is caused by getting bitten or scratched by an infected rodent, exposure to droppings, urine, and saliva, and eating food contaminated by an infected rodent. You can also get sick by breathing in contaminated air, touching contaminated items, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
On the other hand, indirect transmission means getting sick from an intermediate host, such as ticks, mites, fleas, beetles, and cockroaches, that fed on infected rodents. This can happen when you get bitten by or even consume any of these carriers.
Damage to Property and Home Items
Rodents notoriously gnaw on an array of materials, causing damage to furniture, fixtures, household items, and your home’s structure. This means walls, insulation, and wallboards are not safe from these pests. They also chew on plumbing pipes and electrical wiring, which can cause water damage, leaks, and fires.
Contamination of Surfaces and Food Supply
Rodents leave a trail of their urine and feces on the areas where they roam or their “routes.” This leads to the contamination of surfaces in your home, including, but not limited to, your kitchen and dining area, compromising your and your family’s health.
Be Protected Against Winter Rodents and Other Harmful Pests
Don’t wait until you have a rodent infestation; it’s best to be several steps ahead and be pest-free all year round. No matter what type of pest you are dealing with, you can count on Arrow Services, Inc. to help you effectively keep them away from your property. We provide safe, effective, and efficient pest control services in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Contact us today to learn more about what we do.