I Hate Mice - Tips to Control Hantavirus Risk
Hantavirus. I'm sure you've seen the headlines and heard some chatter. Anytime something with the word virus starts trending, it’s completely natural for concern to spike. Even my daughter is asking about it.
A little awareness is healthy. Panic is not.
Here’s my take. Stay calm. Take measures. You'll live.
Hantavirus is rare, and the risk to the average person is very low. Think about it. We humans are pretty tough. We've navigated plagues, pandemics, ice ages, wars, and more. We are resilient. We are still here. We adapt, we learn, and we keep moving forward. This situation is no different. And in my opinion, far less dangerous than getting in the car when my wife is driving!
That said, resilience doesn’t mean recklessness. Don't run out and roll around in rodent droppings to test your luck. Prevention and preparation have always been our first and best defense.
Here's some tips.
Tip 1: Make Your Home Less Attractive to Rodents
Rodents are opportunists. They show up when we unintentionally make life easy for them. A few simple steps go a long way:
- Trim hedges and vegetation away from the house
- Reduce clutter in garages, sheds, crawlspaces, and yards
- Eliminate food sources (pet food, bird seed, open trash)
- Remove standing water where possible
- Use rodent control measures year-round
Tip 2: Prevention Beats Reaction - Wet-Disinfect-Remove
Many hantavirus cases are linked to disturbing rodent nesting areas (garages, sheds, cabins, storage spaces). Avoid sweeping or even vacuuming rodent droppings, which can aerosolize particles.
If you encounter an area with signs of rodents, use proper cleaning practices. Put a N95 mask and disposable gloves on. Ventilate the area, use heavy disinfectant (or bleach with water) to wet the droppings, wait 5 minutes, then gently remove with paper towels or disposable rags. Disinfect the area again. Put everything in a plastic bag and throw it away.
Tip 3: Be Smart with Food Storage
This topic comes up often, and it’s worth repeating here.
Rodents can chew right through plastic bins, mylar bags, cardboard boxes. Sorry My Patriot Supply. Your stuff is on the menu tonight for Mickey and friends.
MICE CANNOT CHEW THROUGH STEEL CANS.
This is one of the reasons we focus our packaging on cans. When it comes to protecting food from pests, steel remains undefeated.
So that's my take. We're not on the cusp of another pandemic. We'll be ok.
Want to upgrade your pantry? Get in on rodent proof savings with our build-your-own kit tool. Mix and match #10 cans as you please. The more you buy, the more you save - up to 24% off.
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Making it easy
Zero risk. Only gains.
100% Risk Free
Your complete satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
Made by Real People
Made and packaged in our facility right here in the USA. Any issues, just give us a call.
Free Shipping
Free shipping on orders $149.99+. Always out the door in a day or two straight to your home.
For more information, please visit our Terms of Service. Learn More
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