Healthier Homes Guidelines: Rodents

Learn about the ways rodents can cause asthma attacks and how to identify signs of a rodent infestation in your home. Discover methods to reduce rodents, including reporting cracks and openings, keeping a clutter-free home, proper food storage and disposal, and pest control.

• Rodents are more common in urban homes than suburban areas

• Breathing in rodent urine and droppings can cause serious reactions in asthma patients

• Rodents can be found in kitchens, attics, garages, and inside walls

• Signs of rodent infestation include tiny bite marks in food or wrappings, nests, urine, droppings, squeaks or scratching sounds, and an unusually musty smell

• To reduce rodents, report cracks and openings, keep your home clutter-free, store food in airtight containers, dispose of trash properly, and use pesticide baits and traps as needed