WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 19 /PR Newswire/ -- Oh, cheez ... it's that time of year again when hairy hordes begin looking for a bed and breakfast to check in for the winter, namely your home. Since October marks the onset of peak rodent season, it is the ideal time to be informed on the many dangers of rodents. To raise awareness of the health risks associated with rodents, October has been designated "National Rodent Prevention Month".
"It is during the peak months of October through February that we see the greatest increase of rodent infestation in households across the country. An estimated 21 million homes are invaded by rodents each year," says Richard Poche, rodent control specialist for Reckitt Benckiser Inc., the maker of d-CON(R) rodenticides. "As it begins to get colder in the fall, rain and snow disrupts the rodent's natural environment, forcing it to seek shelter and food indoors. This puts humans at greater risk of coming in contact with rodents AND the diseases they carry."
Mice and rats are not only a nuisance, they can be very destructive, too. Did you know that at least 5% of all fires deemed "undetermined origin" are believed to be caused by rats that have gnawed through electrical wiring? And, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, approximately 10% or 400,000 tons of America's grain crops are contaminated by rodent fecal matter annually, which equates to a $4 billion annual loss.
Most important, certain rodents are carriers of diseases, including Salmonella, Trichinosis, Leptospirosis, and the potentially deadly rodent-borne Hantavirus. Since its first detection in May of 1993, 269 people in 31 states have contracted the Hantavirus, which claimed the lives of almost half its victims.
The best way to deter rodents from coming indoors, is to follow these prevention tips.
* Keep a clean house -- Wash dishes and cooking utensils, and clean spilled food from counters and floors immediately. Also, dispose of any trash and clutter.
* Seal up potential entrances to your home -- Using sheet metal, steel wool, or concrete, seal up any holes larger than one-quarter inch in diameter. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime.
* Remove items that are potential nesting sites -- Remove stacks of newspapers, storage and cardboard boxes from shelves and floors. Mice can leap 12 inches vertically.
* Keep high-risk areas, such as garages, attics and storage areas free of accumulated litter -- Mice are attracted to undisturbed areas within the house and in and around stored objects.
* Food and garbage storage -- Keep all food, water and garbage in metal or thick plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Never leave food or water out overnight.