Rodent Awareness Week
"Each winter, rodents invade an estimated 21 million U.S. homes, bringing with them threats to human health and property,” said Patricia Hottel
South Elgin, Illinois (PRWEB) November 09, 2015
With the arrival of cooler temperatures across the country, rodents will begin to seek shelter from the elements – often in people’s homes. To promote public vigilance against the hazards rodents can pose when they invade structures, McCloud Services, a leading pest management company based in South Elgin, Ill., and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), recognizes November 15-21 as Rodent Awareness Week. McCloud Services is proud to take part in this observance by educating homeowners about the threat of rodents and how they can lessen their chances of an infestation.
“Each winter, rodents invade an estimated 21 million U.S. homes, bringing with them threats to human health and property,” said Patricia Hottel, technical director. “Rodents are most likely to cause problems in the Chicagoland area this time of year, so it’s important for homeowners to take steps to keep them out before they become an issue.”
Mice and rats can spread a vast array of diseases, including Salmonella, murine typhus, infectious jaundice and rat-bite fever. A buildup of rodent droppings can cause indoor allergies and since mice tend to urinate constantly, the risk of contamination of food surfaces and equipment is high. Rodents are also capable of chewing through drywall, insulation, wood and electrical wiring, increasing the potential risk for fires.
McCloud Services and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following rodent prevention tips:
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
- Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
- Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages for evidence of rodents before bringing them indoors.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery trimmed and cut back from the house.
“We encourage homeowners to keep an eye out for signs that rodents may have taken up residence in their home, including droppings, scurrying noises at night, gnaw marks, damaged food packaging and burrows in secluded areas,” added Hottel.
Home Protection Plan
McCloud Services offers a home protection plan designed to protect homeowner’s homes and families all year long. The plan includes three scheduled visits during peak pest seasons, and includes interior and exterior inspections. If a pest problem develops between scheduled services, McCloud will take care of the problem at no extra costs. Homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected.
For more information on McCloud’s home protection plan, please visit:
http://mccloudservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Annual-Home-Protection-Plan.pdf
About McCloud Services
McCloud Services is the leader in integrated pest management solutions. Known for providing the highest level of pest management services and customer care, McCloud Services pest management programs are designed to target immediate pest concerns with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. McCloud Services is a regional service provider with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. For more information, please visit: http://www.mccloudservices.com.
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