The Rise of Rodents During the Pandemic

Rodents are infesting homes in Springfield VA during the pandemic - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's

If you’ve been noticing more rodents in or near your home, you’re not the only one. Since the start of the pandemic, the CDC has suggested that rodents are more active and aggressive than ever. This is mostly in due part to the restaurant closures—the lack of food sources for rats and mice has caused them to be more desperate. And now with the weather changing, they will be drawn inside your own home not only to escape dropping temperatures outside but to look for food. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Ehrlich is here to help clear the air about rodents during the pandemic and to provide tips on preventing them. Read on to learn more!

Are Rodents Connected to COVID-19?

There has been a lot of information spread about how rodents are connected to the coronavirus. The good news is that there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to humans. When it comes to rodents during the pandemic, the main things to worry about is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

Restaurant closures have caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice become more bold in their hunt for resources. This directly correlates to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more.

5 Tips to Prevent Rodents This Year

The last thing you have time to worry about this year with everything else going on is a rodent problem. To avoid the discovery of rats in your home, there are a few things you can do to keep them out:

  1. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  2. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  3. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  4. Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  5. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Rodent Infestations During the Pandemic

No Rodent Awareness Week feels quite as important as this year’s with the surge of infestations we are experiencing. Our rodent exterminators are dedicated to protecting you from these pests not just this week but all year long. For more information, contact our team today.

Are Termites Active in the Fall & Winter?

Termites can infest Springfield VA homes in the fall and winter. - Ehrlich pest Control, formerly Connor'sPeople often assume that springtime is “termite season”. However, termites are active throughout the entire year here in Virginia. While termites don’t swarm in the fall and winter, they remain active in or under your property. The only thing that changes during this time of year is their routine. Many types of termites will move deeper in the ground through tunnels to escape colder temperatures. However, they can still cause damage to your home and, even worse, grow their colony. For this reason alone, it’s important to know how to look for signs of termites in your home, even in the fall. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Signs of Termite Damage?

Signs of termite damage often appear when you have a more serious infestation in your property. In the fall, winter, and all other seasons, it’s important to look for the following signs of termite damage:

  • Ceiling/wall discoloration
  • Termite frass (feces)
  • Sagging sheetrock
  • Buckling floors
  • Loose tiles
  • Bubbled floors
  • Holes in drywall
  • Crumbling wood
  • Hollow windows and/or doors
  • Shed swarmer wings

Termite Activity in the Autumn

Termites may not be swarming in the fall and winter, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone dormant. The termite queens lay eggs year-round and at a steady rate. This means that termite colonies will not only stay active but continue to grow during the fall and winter. Maturity is the number one determinant in a colony’s ability to damage your home. A two to four-year-old colony can cause damage in your property any time of the year. Termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year even though they’re active.

Termite Infestations in the Fall

Because termites are active all year long, you need to be preventing them all year long. The termite exterminators at Ehrlich know how distressing it can be to discover an infestation, which is why we work to prevent them in the first place with preventative services. Reach out to our team today to learn about all of our termite treatment and prevention options!