The National Pest Management Association offers advice for preventing rodent encounters this fall and winter
FAIRFAX Va. (October 23, 2017) – Cooler weather has arrived and more time is spent indoors, which means the odds of a rodent encounter are pretty great.
Rodent Awareness Week is October 22-28, 2017 and the National Pest Management Association is sharing some eye-opening stats from its latest survey of more than 1,000 American homeowners to learn more about their experiences with rodents, such as mice and rats. The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll, found that 37 percent of homeowners have seen a rodent in their home in the past year, compared to 30 percent in 2013* who have ever had a rodent problem in their home. It also found that only 17 percent of homeowners would be most concerned about a rodent bringing diseases into the home, if they were to see one indoors.
“We were surprised to see some of the nonchalance in regard to rodent sightings inside the home,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Rodent infestations are no
joke, as mice and rats can contaminate food, spread diseases, and trigger asthma and allergy symptoms through a buildup of their droppings. It’s critical that homeowners understand the health hazards that come along with finding a rodent scurrying across the kitchen floor — especially because where there is one, there are certainly more.”
Rodents are also capable of damaging structures by chewing through drywall insulation and even electrical wires, increasing the risk of fire. They are also known to bring fleas and mites indoors, posing a threat to family pets.
Below are additional highlights from NPMA’s September 2017 survey:
- If homeowners were to see a rodent in their home, 46 percent noted they would be most concerned that there might be more to follow.
- If homeowners were to see a rodent in their home, 28 percent say “grossed out” best describes how they would feel and 20 percent would be worried.
- Nearly 3 in 10 homeowners (29 percent) say they would call a licensed pest control professional if they saw a rodent in their home, while 75 percent said they would try to trap it on their own.
- Among homeowners who have seen a rodent in their home in the past 12 months, the top three places where rodents were spotted were the garage (39 percent), the kitchen (35 percent) and the basement (27 percent).
The NPMA recommends the following rodent prevention tips:
- Check both the inside and outside of the home for cracks or crevices, and seal any openings with caulk or steel wool. Pay special attention to areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Keep basements and attics clear and store boxes off of the floor. Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
- Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground. Keep shrubbery and tree branches cut back from the house.
- Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- If a rodent infestation is suspected, contact a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation and suggest a proper course of treatment.
For more information about rodent control, visit PestWorld.org.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA from September 19-21, 2017 among 2,122 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,379 own a home (i.e., homeowners). This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and additional subgroup sample sizes, please contact Danielle Corrato at dcorrato@vaultcommunications.com.
*The survey was conducted online with the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the NPMA, from November 22-26, 2013, among 2,033 adults ages 18 and older.
About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests.