With millions of Americans tucked away in home isolation, people are spending significantly more time in their living environments than ever before. This time at home is changing our routines, increasing the amount of food we are consuming and the waste we are generating – and pests are catching on
Rodent activity at home is increasing – or maybe we’re just home more to see and hear the critters in action. Either way, pests are catching on to the new stay-at-home routines and they evidently love it!
Winter is already a vulnerable time when bugs and rodents thrive on finding ways to enter our homes to locate sources of food, water and shelter. Help keep pests out while still practicing social distancing with these suggestions from NPMA:
- Check for damaged packages – The FedEx delivery person may be bringing more than just the item you ordered! Cardboard boxes offer a perfect vehicle for pests to enter the home, so be sure to check for any signs of damage before opening, as rodents, which can spread dangerous diseases such as Salmonella, are known to chew through cardboard in search of food. Be sure to also discard boxes appropriately to avoid giving pests places to hide.
- Inspect all groceries –Non-contact delivery isn’t just convenient for you. Pests, including ants and squirrels, appreciate the door-to-door service as well. Don’t leave groceries sitting outside too long to avoid curious critters – and be sure to inspect and clean the groceries to avoid introducing insects into the home.
- Keep kids from squirreling away food – Parents are juggling a lot these days, from online learning schedules for their children to working remotely. Keeping a tidy kitchen and staying on top of kids’ snack trails can be hard to do. At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to do a quick sweep and check every nook and cranny of playrooms, living rooms and even bedrooms for any abandoned snacks, cups and dishes left behind before hungry pests find them first.
- Look under the hood – With few or no trips to the office or the grocery store, many people have left their cars in park the past few months. Squirrels, pack rats and mice can quickly and easily take up residence under the hood, and unfortunately gnaw through air filters and wiring. Don’t forget to check under your hood and move your vehicle from time to time.
If pests are upsetting the balance in your home, it’s time to contact a pest control professional.