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Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, or through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.

This web page offers helpful suggestions on rodent control during and after a rodent infestation. The primary strategy for preventing human exposure to rodent diseases is effective rodent control in and around the home. This is achieved by eliminating any food sources, sealing even the smallest entries into homes, and successfully trapping rodents in and around the home.

Prevent Rodent Infestations

Seal Up!

Seal up holes inside and outside the home to prevent entry by rodents…

Trap Up!

Trap rodents around the home to help reduce the rodent population…

Clean Up!

Clean up rodent food sources and nesting sites…

Cleaning up after rodents

woman mixing bleach and water

Take precautions before and during clean up of rodent-infested areas. Before cleaning, trap the rodents and seal up any entryways to ensure that no rodents can get in.

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