Pests Invade Slidell After Hurricane Ida - Slidell Contractors
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Pests Invade Slidell After Hurricane Ida

rats and mice

Pests Invade Slidell After Hurricane Ida

After Hurricane Ida hit Slidell, many local residents have complained about an increase in pests.  Rats, mice, or other pests can enter your home or business after a natural disaster such as a hurricane. Rodents and other pests could cause serious health problems. They can transmit diseases to pets and people. They can also trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people.

Highlights

  • Rodents are known to move to new areas when they need shelter, food, water and shelter during severe weather or other natural disasters.
  • Take away food, water, and other items that can provide shelter and sustenance for rodents.
  • You should dispose of your garbage regularly and consistently both inside and out of your home.
  • To reduce your risk of getting sick, thoroughly clean any areas that have been impacted by rodent activity.

Pests

The destructive pests of rats and mice can spread disease, contaminate food and cause property damage. In the aftermath of a disaster, rats and mice numbers are often decreased, which means that illness and injuries caused by rats or other small rodents is rare in the short-term.

Many rodents that are able to survive a disaster move on to other areas. It may take some time for rodents, including their ability to regroup and reorganize themselves socially, learn new environments, locate food and water, and remember their movements. Once their ecosystem is stable, colony building will begin.

Under favorable conditions, this usually takes 6-10 months. People are more likely to be exposed to rodent diseases as the rodent population increases and settles. The allergens in rodent urine and dander can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive or cause asthma symptoms. We are already seeing an increase in calls for an exterminator in Slidell after Hurricane Ida.

ratsOther than seeing dead or living rodents, rodent droppings and rub marks are indicators that they may be present. Burrows and nests, gnawings of food scraps, burrows, nests, burrows, gnawings and urine spots are all signs. The methods to control rats and mice differ because they are two different animals.

These recommendations can help residents to reduce the risk of illness and injury that rodents can cause.

Take precautions to limit household exposure

The best way to avoid contact with rodents is to remove food, water, and other items that could be used as shelter. If necessary, use an integrated pest-management strategy that includes proper food storage, environmental sanitation, rodent-proofing and trapping.

Inside the Home

  • Keep food and water clean and in rodent-proof containers Rodent-proof containers are made from thick plastic, glass or metal with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Pet food should be kept covered in rodent-proof containers. Only give pets enough food to last them for one meal. Then, store or throw away any leftover food. Don’t leave pet food or water out over night.
  • Regularly dispose of trash. You should dispose of food and trash in containers that are rodent-proof.
  • After using, wash dishes, pans, or cooking utensils immediately.
  • Clean up food leftovers and any food that has been contaminated in the cooking or eating area.
  • Empty cans and other containers that have food residue should not be kept in your home.
  • Spring-loaded traps are best used in your home and outdoors. As bait, use a small amount chunky peanut butter or any other food. Remember that rodent trapping is easier if you have no other food options. Placing traps in a T shape against walls or baseboards where rodent droppings, rub marks or other signs of rodent activity have been observed, is a good idea. Children and pets should be kept away from traps.
  • Live traps and glue traps are not recommended. Glue traps are not recommended for breeding adult rodents. They only catch juvenile rodents. Rodents that are caught in live traps will be released and will most likely return to the home.

Other than the Home

  • As soon as possible, dispose of trash and debris. Woodpiles, lumber and other materials should be stored at least 12 inches above ground level and away from your home.
  • Garbage should be stored in rodent-proof containers that have tight fitting lids.
  • Keep grain and animal feed safe in rodent-proof containers
  • Eliminate any food source, including animal carcasses that could attract rodents.
  • Get rid of junk, tires and abandoned cars.
  • Cut back on the grass and remove any dense shrubbery or brush that could provide protection and cover for rodents.
  • Tree limbs and shrubs that touch or exceed buildings should be cut.
  • You can place spring-loaded traps near outbuildings or other areas that are prone to rodent infestations. Children and pets should not play near spring traps.

Rodent-Proofing Your Home

Rats can get into a home through a hole about the same size as a quarter. Mice can get in through holes the size of a quarter. Use any of these materials to seal holes and gaps inside or outside your home.

  • cement mortar or cement cement
  • Metal mesh of 19 gauge or greater, wire screening or hardware cloth (1/4 inch or less spacing preferred)
  • steel wool;
  • Heavy-duty caulk, elastomeric sealant or
  • Expanding foam

Rodent-Contaminated Areas and Dead Rodents can be cleaned up

To reduce your risk of getting sick or exposed to germs, thoroughly clean any areas that have been impacted by rodent activity. Do not stir the dust while vacuuming up droppings, urine or nesting materials. Dust may contain harmful contaminants that could be inhaled. To avoid breathing in contaminants, use a mask when cleaning.

Cleaning up Contaminated Surfaces

  • If they have not been disinfected, do not vacuum or sweep rodent urine, droppings or contaminated surfaces.
  • If you have to touch dead rodents or traps or rodent droppings, wear rubber gloves or plastic gloves.
  • Spray rodent droppings or urine with a disinfectant. Allow it to soak for five minutes.
  • To clean up urine, use a paper towel. Once the urine and rodent droppings have been removed, disinfect all items that may have been contaminated.

tips for Slidell first-time home-buyers on a budget

Dead Rodents – Cleanup

  • Regularly check traps.
  • Spray dead rodents using a disinfectant or 1:10 chlor solution (1 1/2 cup household bleach mixed with 1 galon of water).
  • Use rubber gloves or plastic gloves
  • Lift the rodent from the trap using the spring-loaded bar. Seal the bag or place the whole trap with the dead rodent in a plastic bag.
  • Seal the bag with a second plastic ziplock bag. You should dispose of the double-bag immediately in an outdoor garbage can.
  • Before you take off your gloves, wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Remove your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. If soap and water are unavailable or your hands are not visible soiled, you can use an alcohol-based waterless hand gel.
  • If you plan to reuse the trap, wash it with a disinfectant or 1:10 chlor solution (1 1/2 cup household bleach and 1 gallon water). Rinse it off well.
  • Keep trapping the rodents for at least one more week.
  • For rodent problems that persist, contact a professional pest-control agent.

Precautions to ensure building entry or re-entry after a disaster

Rodents can infest abandoned or damaged homes as well as other buildings. It is a good idea to let buildings air out for at least two to three days after they have been left empty for a long time before you re-enter.

You should have the building thoroughly cleaned if you find signs of rodents. For assistance with cleaning, contact your local health department.

You should not sweep or vacuum rodent urine, rodent droppings or contaminated surfaces that are not disinfected.

  • Spray urine and droppings with disinfectant, or a 1:10 solution (1 1/2 cup household bleach mixed with 1 Gallon of water), until they are thoroughly soaked.
  • Allow it to soak for five minutes.
  • To remove urine and droppings, use a paper towel.
  • Place the towel outside in a sealed container.