In the past few months, our lives changed drastically due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic. For most of us, our daily routines and habits stopped, and had to be replaced by a new reality – staying at home and avoiding any public spaces unless necessary. Even a trip to a grocery shop became a mission, and equipped in masks and hand sanitizer, we had to be careful to socially distance and avoid any contact with others. While 2020 has been tough so far and in some moments, we may have felt like everything around us just stopped, in fact, life still went on. Normal issues, such as worrying about pest infestations, have not disappeared – the problem has increased. In this article, we are discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted our issues with common pests and what steps we can take to avoid pest infestations.
COVID-19 EXPLAINED
Coronavirus disease was first identified in China, December 2019. The disease that causes respiratory symptoms has spread worldwide and in March 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, countries affected by the coronavirus, have taken additional measures to protect the public. Citizens have been put into lockdown in most places and were not allowed to leave homes unless it was absolutely necessary (e.g. grocery shopping). Most companies were forced to temporarily close or allow their employees to work from home. It is believed that COVID-19 spreads through droplets just like other similar viruses, therefore it can spread from person to person easily through, for example, coughing or sneezing. Therefore, one of the actions taken by governments was to make sure that people avoid contacting others and stay 2 meters apart in public places.
COVID-19 IMPACT ON PEST INFESTATIONS
The Coronavirus outbreak forced people to work from home or work in smaller teams, which then left many buildings lying empty for the past couple of months. With the reduced human presence and lack of professional pest control technicians, the risk of pest infestations has risen. Multiple sectors have been affected by this problem – starting with commercial and office buildings, hotels, and restaurants, but also residential property. The empty buildings with no or little human activity are a perfect space for pests, such as rodents, to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. It is a fact that rats and mice can reproduce incredibly quickly when they find the right environment and easy access to food – if those conditions are given, a female rat can give a litter of 6-8 offspring every six weeks.
Due to reduced staff, local authorities struggle to maintain clean streets and organize regular waste collection services. Dirty streets and piles of uncollected trash bags are a perfect environment for pests to emerge as it offers easy-accessible food. This is a huge problem as it carries with it serious health threats, as pests, such as rodents, carry a lot of diseases that can easily be spread to humans.
Deserted streets are also an ideal opportunity for rats, mice, or urban foxes to become bolder and braver in their searches of food and shelter. Just as our lifestyles have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, so did theirs. Animals have adapted their daily patterns to the new reality where the human footprint is reduced and gives them more opportunity to roam the streets.
THE RISE OF HOME PEST INFESTATIONS
As we mentioned before, not only commercial buildings have been affected by the rise of pest infestations. Even though people spend more time in their homes now, the pest problem is still very serious. Commercial buildings, such as restaurants, have been emptied and therefore the food supply for pests, such as rodents, has been cut short. This situation causes the migration of pests from city centers to residential areas in search of new food sources and shelters. Moreover, people are currently more reluctant to allow professionals in their homes as they are trying to protect themselves from a Coronavirus infection. Trash bags left in front of the house and the delays in the regular collection of garbage are a perfect opportunity for pests to get closer to your property. Once they realize there is food around, they will not only be interested in your waste but also in getting inside your property. When food is so easily accessible, pest numbers grow rapidly which can carry serious threats to your household, such as:
- Structural damage to your buildings and fittings – rodents tend to chew and gnaw wooden structures, insulation, wires, and pipes
- Damage to sewer systems caused by burrowing
- Contamination of your property and the area around it through debris carried for nesting purposes
- Contamination of your property and the area around it with feces and urine that can carry various diseases and parasites
- Infestation of other pests, such as ticks, lice, fleas or mites
STEPS THAT HOMEOWNERS CAN TAKE
Even when we are stuck at home and feel like there is not much we can do, there are few steps that can be taken to reduce the chance of a pest infestation.
REDUCE FOOD SOURCES
This is a crucial step in protecting your property from pests. Reducing food supply does apply to both your house and the garden area – remember that pests can easily get inside your property by various entry points, and even through open windows. Do not leave any leftover food, crumbs on the table, or the floor. Remember to not leave your pets’ food outside as it basically is an invitation for the pest animals. If you are planning a BBQ, make sure you clean the grill and not leave any leftovers on the ground.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
With reduced waste collection services, it is even more important for you to deal with your garbage properly. Remember to seal the bin lids properly, as the small gaps create easy access for pests. Your waste should be wrapped in plastic bags or refuse sacks, and not put loose straight in the bin. This way the food waste won’t stick to the bin and will contain any odors. It may also help to not keep your bins in the direct sunlight, as that can help with reducing the unpleasant smell that tempts pests. You should also make sure to take the bins out of your kitchen regularly, so they don’t stay for too long inside your property.
CONTACT YOUR FACILITY MANAGERS
If you live in a flat with a communal area that may be closed during the Coronavirus outbreak, you may want to directly contact your facility manager and speak to them about the potential pest issue. Many properties were abruptly closed due to the pandemic, and many facility managers may not have had enough time to properly clean and sanitize those communal spaces. Just because they are unused, does not mean they are not currently occupied by a different type of tenant. Such places are at high risk of a pest infestation (especially rodents) if they are left unmonitored.
KEEP YOUR PROPERTY AND AREA SURROUNDING IT CLEAN AND TIDY
Dirty, unkempt spaces maybe not attractive to us but surely are for pests that thrive in such environments. Especially now, practicing good sanitation is crucial – and it doesn’t only apply to the COVID-19 situation. Using low-toxicity disinfectant helps with killing bacteria and dangerous pathogens that may live on the surface. If you fail to properly disinfect your surroundings (especially frequently used touchpoints such as door handles), you are at a higher risk of spreading harmful pathogens.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR YARD
Maintain landscaping by cutting overgrown bushes and not letting the grass in your yard grow tall. Pests can hide in yards with thick shrubs and uncut grass, but also reach your home through high tree limbs which is why it is recommended to regularly trim them so that they don’t lead the pest animals to your property.
INVOLVE PROFESSIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT
Pest control has been deemed an essential service, so if you spot a pest infestation in your home, you should not hesitate to call pest management professionals. They can ensure your property is secure and give you additional tips on how to fight your battle with pests.
PEST MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS RECOGNIZED AS KEYWORKERS
As we have mentioned in the previous paragraphs, pest management professionals have been recognized as key workers. With the increase in pest infestations (for example rats and feral pigeons) during the Coronavirus outbreak, it is essential to react fast and prevent the spreading of pests. Even though there have been no reported cases of pests such as rodents carrying coronavirus, they are still a threat to our health as they spread other diseases. Especially during a pandemic, catching any kind of illness is not desirable, and dealing with pests is one way of avoiding that. Professionals offer not only to directly assist you but also to provide educational material on pests and advice on how to solve pest problems by yourself. Click here to learn more about what pest control professionals have to say.
By Jessica Loticus
Author bio: Bio grad student, animal rights activist, and environmentalist. I am an aspiring journalist who focuses on how animal life is endangered due to human activity.