Official insights from Public Health – Seattle & King County staff
As the weather cools down, we spend more time inside, and so do rodents. Rats and mice start looking for warm, dry places with easy access to food. By taking simple steps now, you can keep rodents out before they settle in and create a problem.
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As the weather starts to turn, many people start to spend more time indoors. That’s not only true for humans, but also for rats and mice. They’re looking for a place to stay that’s warm, dry, and close to food sources. So, as you’re preparing for winter, take steps now to keep them out of your home.
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Heavy rains and flooding can send more rats into the sewer system. Find out the simple steps to deal with a rat in your toilet.
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Wild rats and mice living too close to humans threaten our health. They can contaminate food, spread disease, damage property, and cause electrical fires. It makes good sense to keep rodents away from our homes. However, there are safe – and less safe ways – to get rid of them.
Many people’s first instinct is to use rodenticides – also known as rat or mouse bait – to poison the intruders. Unfortunately, misuse and overuse of these poisons are common and can harm children and pets.
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Some mice (deer mice, specifically) can carry hantavirus in their urine and droppings, This virus is rare, but can be potentially deadly in humans. So, if you are doing your annual spring cleaning and notice signs of infestation, take caution when cleaning it up.
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When it gets cold and rainy, we humans bundle up and retreat to the indoors. Unfortunately, so do rats. Besides being unsightly, rats spread bacteria and viruses, and they can cause damage to buildings, houses and even vehicles. So, before you settle in for the season, make sure you’ve done what you can to keep […]
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