As crisp air moves in, the NY, NJ, and PA Tri-State area prepares for winter. But you’re not the only one looking forward to a warm and a cozy home. Rodents aren’t just a nuisance; they pose a real threat to your family’s health. To highlight this danger, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) established Rodent Awareness Week (October 19–25, 2025) – the perfect time to remind homeowners how important it is to keep out these pests.
Common Mouse-Borne Diseases
Rodents and disease go hand-in-hand. They can transmit over 35 illnesses to people, mostly through their droppings, urine, or bites. Diseases carried by rodents include:
- Hantavirus: This severe illness is caused by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine. It can lead to a very dangerous lung disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
- Salmonella: Rodent droppings on food or kitchen counters can contaminate what you eat and cause Salmonellosis, which gives you diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Leptospirosis: Bacteria found in rodent urine can contaminate soil and water, leading to this disease. It can cause serious problems, including kidney failure and liver damage.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV): Carried by house mice, this virus can cause flu-like symptoms and sometimes lead to serious brain and nerve problems.
Beyond diseases, rodent droppings and dander can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children and people who already have breathing problems.
Learn more about the health risks posed by rodents here.
Simple Steps to Keep Out Rodents & the Diseases They Carry
The good news is that preventing a rodent problem is easier than fixing one. Start with these simple tips:
- Seal It Up: Mice can squeeze through a gap as small as a dime. Check your foundation, doors, and windows for cracks and gaps and seal them tightly.
- Clean Up: Store all your food in airtight containers—including pet food! Make sure to take out the trash regularly.
- Clear the Clutter: Rodents and their diseases thrive in unclean conditions. Keep your basement, attic, and crawl spaces clean, and make sure any vents are properly screened.
- Move the Piles: Rodents love to hide in piles of wood, junk, or brush outside. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
If you hear scratching, see droppings, or suspect that you have an unwanted guest, don’t wait. A licensed pest control professional, like the team at Masters Pest Control, can safely assess and treat the issue. If you’re in the NY, NJ, or PA area, call us at 845-856-2024 or visit masterspestcontrol.com to schedule an inspection.