The historic drought has many Louisianans smelling a rat. Dry conditions are forcing rats and mice into homes in search of food and water. LSU Ag Center Professor emeritus Dr. Claudette Reichel says the rodents have less access to food sources due to the drought.
“It’s getting harder to find outside and so they’re probably making stronger efforts than usual to seek it out in buildings.”
More than 60 different diseases are transmitted by the furry rodents. Reichel says exposure to rat droppings can cause allergic reactions in people who are hypersensitive.
“They’re droppings can be very allergenic and very unhealthy. The droppings tend to be in places behind furniture and bookcases.”
Reichel says traps, rodenticides, repellents, and predators are a few ways to remedy the rodent issue. She also suggests eliminating access to your home.
“In general when you find gaps, filling them with cooper mesh kind of material, If it’s a larger gap or a very small gap.”
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