Rodent Control In Hawaii
Rodent infestation can be much more than just unsanitary and a bother. Whether through direct or indirect contact, rodents have the ability to spread a number of diseases. Mice and rats also carry fleas, mites, lice, and the parasite nematode that causes rat lungworm disease. Rat lungworm disease is an important point to this conversation, given that 18 cases of the disease were confirmed statewide last year. So, what’s the best method of prevention of rodent infestation? Well, rodent control, of course.
If you only do one thing to control rodents it should be to rodent-proof your home. Rodent-proofing the home requires sealing any kinds of openings that are larger than ¼” for mice and ½” for rats. Openings that rodents will use to enter buildings include things like cracks or holes in walls and floors. Rodents also enter buildings through openings in windows or ceilings, and even crawling through sink and bathtub drains.
There are many products available that are effective in sealing openings from rodents. Many people use concrete if an opening can be permanently sealed. Other products include sheet metal and hardware cloth that rodents are unable to chew through.
A second step to rodent control is sanitation. As with prevention and control of other nasty critters and bugs, sanitation is a practical form of controlling all kinds of infestations. Sanitation includes not leaving leftover food lying around and eliminating unnecessary water leaks or water sources that allow rodents to prosper. Any big trees that hang over the roof of the home should be cut to remove an entrance point for rodents. The exterior of the home should be free of garbage and rubbish piles that provide a home for rodents.
The Hawaii Department of Health has a brochure that shares a lot of information about rodent control, biology, and signs of rodent infestation. You may also call our office if you have further questions about rodent control.
References:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/04/12/hawaii-news/2-more-rat-lungworm-cases-develop-in-hawaii/
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2017/03/rodent-control-foldout-brochure.pdf
