PORT JERVIS, 10/8/2025 – As temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats are increasingly seeking warmth indoors, often making their way into homes in search of food and shelter. In observance of Rodent Awareness Week, taking place from October 19 to 25, 2025, Masters Pest Control is joining the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to raise awareness about the health risks posed by rodent infestations and the importance of proactive prevention.
“Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they pose serious threats to health and property,” said Adam Masters, owner at Masters Pest Control. “Rodents carry diseases and can contaminate food with their droppings and urine. They can also trigger allergies and asthma. Early detection and proactive prevention, like sealing entry points and maintaining a clean environment, are crucial to keeping your family safe from these health hazards.”
Health Implications of Rodents
Rodents can transmit over 35 diseases to humans, including:
- Hantavirus: Transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings or saliva, Hantavirus can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease that can be fatal.
- Salmonella: Rodent droppings can contaminate food and surfaces, leading to Salmonellosis, which causes symptoms like diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Severe cases may be complicated by blood stream infection and sepsis.
- Leptospirosis: Caused by bacteria in rodent urine that contaminates soil and water, this disease can cause severe complications including kidney failure, liver damage, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV): Carried by house mice, LCMV can cause flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, neurological complications.
- Plague: Transmitted to humans primarily through flea bites or direct contact with infected animals, Plague is an acute bacterial disease that affects rodents and their fleas. Symptoms range from swollen lymph nodes and fever to respiratory failure and bloodstream infection and can be fatal.
- Tularemia: Contracted through tick or deer fly bites, handling infected animals, ingestion of contaminated water, or inhalation of contaminated dust, tularemia symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough, and skin ulcers.
In addition to these diseases, rodent droppings can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, particularly in children and individuals with respiratory sensitivities.
Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of rodent infestations and associated health hazards, homeowners should:
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation, as rodents can enter through openings as small as a dime.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces secure with tight sealed doors and properly screened vents.
- Remove wood, junk and brush piles near the home; store firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation and implement appropriate measures. For more information about rodents and to schedule a rodent inspection, please visit masterspestcontrol.com or call us at 845-856-2024.
ABOUT MASTERS PEST CONTROL
For more than 40 years, Masters Pest Control (MPC) has been the Tri-State’s family-owned guardian of health and home, providing an array of timely and cost-effective treatments for a wide variety of year ‘round and seasonal pests. The services provided by our technicians are kid & pet friendly and environmentally sound. MPC serves households and businesses throughout Orange County, NY; Pike County, PA; and Sussex County, NJ and is properly licensed, insured, trained, and certified. Visit masterspestcontrol.com to learn more.