With hantavirus making headlines, it’s a good time to think about rodent control. Rodents are a fact of life in urban neighborhoods, and Clinton Hill’s older homes can be especially vulnerable. Whether you’re dealing with an active problem or just want to stay ahead of one, the CDC’s “Seal Up, Trap Up, Clean Up” approach is your best defense.
Seal Up. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. Check your foundation, door frames, basement windows, and anywhere pipes or wires enter the wall. Fill small gaps with steel wool and caulk; use hardware cloth or metal sheeting for larger ones. Store food — including pet food — in glass, metal, or hard plastic containers with tight lids.
Trap Up. If rodents are already inside, snap traps placed along baseboards with a small dab of peanut butter are your best bet. Skip glue boards and live traps, they stress the animal and can make contamination worse.
Clean Up. Never sweep or vacuum droppings or nesting materials dry, that sends pathogens airborne. Instead, ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes, then spray with a bleach-water solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), let it sit for five minutes, and wipe up with paper towels while wearing gloves.
If you’re in a multi-unit building, coordinate with neighbors, trapping and sealing at the same time prevents rodents from just migrating next door.
For severe infestations or landlord neglect, contact the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness or dial 311.
