Rodent Control

Rodents 

Rodents are known to spread as many as 35 different diseases to humans worldwide. These diseases can be spread through direct contact with rodents or their feces, urine, saliva, or by bites. Being bitten by ticks, mites, or fleas that have been feeding on sick rodents can also spread diseases.  The information below may help home and pet owners avoid disease from rodents.

Wild Rodents

Wild rodents can cause home damage, contaminate food, and cause illness in people and pets.  Rodent infestations are more likely to occure when events, such as flooding, displace the animals. 

To avoid rodent infestation:  

• Remove potential rodent food and water sources from your property and store food for people and animals in sealed containers.
• Clear debris and other material where rodents can hide.
• Clean rodent droppings, urine, and nesting areas safely, always wearing gloves and spraying material with disinfectant until thoroughly soaked before attempting to remove it or clean the area.

Rodents as Pets

Purchase pet rodents from a reputable vendor who has an active health monitoring program. Choose animals that have good body weight and hair coat, and no obvious signs of illness.

Rodents are not ideal pets for young children because children do not always wash their hands and may have more severe illness from zoonotic diseases (those spread from animals to people).  Due to their small size, rodents are easily injured and small children my accidentally cause serious harm to the animal and possibly be bitten.

If you do purchase a pet rodent, take your new pet to the veterinarian for a health assessment and follow that with regular check-ups. Always remember to wash your hands after handling rodents or their cages/bedding. Clean your pet's cage regularly and in a well-ventilated area.  Avoid contact between your pet and wild rodents, and do not kiss or hold pet rodents close to your face.  Young children should not handle rodents and pregnant women should avoid contact or being in confined spaces with rodents.

Safe Handling of Pet Rodents (CDC)

Diseases Caused by Rodents

Rodents can cause illness in people and pets through bites and direct contact with urine, droppings, and water contaminated with rodent urine.  Rodents can also cause disease by contaminating food, drink, and eating utensils with urine or droppings. Inhaling dust from dried rodent urine, feces, and nesting material can also result in illness.  Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised should be very careful to protect themselves from rodent-carried illnesses.

More Information

Zoonotic Diseases of Rodents

CDC Rodent Infestation Prevention and Control

CDC Rodent Control After a Disaster

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS) rodent resources:

Rat and Mouse Control

Non-Chemical Rodent Control

New York City Rat Information Portal Rodent Control:

Preventing Rats on Your Property (English) or (Español/Spanish)