How COVID-19 Brought More Rodents to the Yard

The COVID-19 pandemic has had some side effects that extend beyond the obvious. The spread of the novel coronavirus has led to strains on supply chains and shortages of usually-common products. Among the most surprising changes here in Alaska has been a proliferation of rodent infestations. This is in part because COVID-19 has introduced some new rodent food sources. Read on to learn more about this interesting side effect of the pandemic and see what you can do to prevent an infestation on your property.

Restaurants and rodents

Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced the temporary or permanent closure of thousands of restaurants and other food- and beverage-related establishments. In addition to wreaking havoc on the economy and sending countless workers into unemployment, this situation has forced rodents to get more creative about looking for food. In their search for new food sources in Alaska during COVID-19, rodents have turned to household garbage as a replacement for restaurant dumpsters. This has come as quite a shock to many homeowners as they open the trash and find a pair of beady little eyes staring up at them.

Eating habits and COVID-19

To make matters worse, many of us eat more when we’re stressed—and the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing if not stressful! Perhaps you’ve even been gaining weight during the pandemic. But there’s more to worry about than just the dreaded “COVID 15”—if you’re creating more food scraps for the garbage or the compost pile, you’re probably attracting rodents to your property in the process. Don’t tempt the rats—put your scraps in tightly secured areas to avoid an infestation, and make sure any compost piles are located away from the house.

How to avoid attracting rodents

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your property less attractive to rodents. As mentioned above, a good first step is to ensure any outdoor trash bins have their lids tightly secured. Also be sure to keep these away from any points of entry into your home.

If you’re one of those Alaskans who got into gardening early in the pandemic, make sure your raised beds are located a safe distance from your home. (Create a barrier out of chicken wire to keep rodents out of your garden in addition to keeping them away from your house.) Other vegetation, such as vines and bushes, should be kept away from your siding.

Finally, keep pet food inside and in sealed containers, as this is a new food source rodents are sure to love if they’re allowed to access it. This will also help prevent your pets from having run-ins with rodents, which can be frightening and stressful on their own.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained all of our lives for a variety of reasons. Don’t let pest problems be one of those reasons. Instead, get in touch with the team at Pied Piper Pest Control to take advantage of our efficient rodent removal and preventative pest control services. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Categorised in: Rodent Control

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