Rodents and other wildlife not only destroy property but can carry and spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be a health risk to humans. Some of these risks include transmission of hantavirus, salmonella, round worm, plague, typhus, rabies, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, tularemia, Q fever, giardia, and arenavirus.
We provide free Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Inspections to all residents in the county. Through submitting a Service Request, our services will include the following:
- A trained and certified technician will conduct a perimeter inspection of the property, building, or business and identify attractants and access points.
- Based on their findings, the technician will provide advice on how to eliminate the current problem and prevent rodents and wildlife from entering the home. Employees do not bait or trap but can provide a list of licensed pest control operators and wildlife removal specialists in the area for further assistance.
- By the end of the inspection, residents will be provided with a summary of suggested changes and minor repairs that they can either complete themselves or hire a Pest Control Operator (PCO) or contractor to complete.
Most rodents and other wildlife are looking for two things: food/water and a safe place to hide/sleep. Addressing these two issues is paramount to keeping a pest-free property and home.
For detailed information about what a Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Inspection might cover (identifying, eliminating, securing, and cleaning up a rodent problem) check out our Rodent Booklet below.
Rodent Booklet
Our department will also provide advice and guidance on dealing with other nuisance wildlife species invading properties and homes like skunks, opossums, racoons, and bats to name a few. If a live native animal needs to be removed from a property, you can contact Native Animal Rescue or Humane Wildlife Control for assistance.
Credit: California Department of Public Health
Most of these organisms can spread rabies, fleas, or mites so use caution when dealing with a wild animal. Racoons create communal bathroom areas known as latrines that can spread roundworm. It is spread through their excrement and the eggs of the roundworms are resistant to most household cleaners like bleach. Boiling water is the most effective way to eliminate roundworm eggs, in addition to standard sanitation practices. CDC - Baylisascaris.
If rodents or other pests are invading a home and need to be trapped and removed, we recommend hiring a local Pest Control Company and this guide from the University of California Integrated Pest Control Management Program can help. Hiring a Pest Control Company Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu)
Once a pest is removed, cleanup and sanitation are key to reducing the risk of disease transmission as well as discouraging the pest from returning. Rodents can generate a lot of feces and urine that pose a health risk. Proper sanitation is key to reducing the spread of harmful pathogens like Hantavirus. Check out our rodent booklet for guidance or this link from the CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/rodent-control/clean-up.html