Rodent FAQs

I have rats in/near my home and yard. What can I do?

Call Napa County Mosquito Abatement District for identification and advice. Our phone number is: 707-553-9610.

I have mice in/near my home and yard. What can I do?

Call Napa County Mosquito Abatement District for identification and advice. Our phone number is: 707-553-9610.

What are Hantaviruses?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that may be carried by some rodents. Some hantaviruses can cause a rare but deadly disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). For more information go to our Rodent Diseases page or the Centers for Disease Control.

How do I protect myself from Hantaviruses?

Do the following things to minimize risk of hantavirus infection:

Before occupying abandoned or usused cabins, open them up to air out. Inspect for rodents and do not use cabins if you find signs of rodent infestation.
If you sleep outdoors, check potential campsites for rodent droppings and burrows.
Do not disturb rodents, burrows or dens.
Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas that may be frequented by rodents.
Avoid sleeping on bare ground, use a mat or elevated cots if they are available.
Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard, bury, or burn all garbage.

When cleaning rodent contaminated areas:

avoid creating aerosols and stirring up dust
use rubber gloves and a mask
apply household disenfectants at maximum recommended concentration to dead rodents, rodent droppings, nests, contaminated traps and surrounding areas and allow for at least 15 minutes contact time before removal.
clean the affected areas with paper towels or a mop, do not sweep or vacuum
double bag the disinfectant-soaked rodent(s) and clean-up material securely in plastic bags and seal tightly
before removing gloves, wash gloved hands in disinfectant, and then in soap and water. Throughly wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves. Dispose of gloves and clean-up materials with other household waste.

For more information go to our Rodent Diseases page or the Centers for Disease Control.

What is Arenavirus?

Arenavirus is a rodent transmitted viral disease. Arenavirus infections are relatively common in humans in some areas of the world and can cause severe illnesses. The arenaviruses are divided into two groups: the New World or Tacaribe complex and the Old World or LCM/Lassa complex. For more information go to our Rodent Diseases page or the Centers for Disease Control.

How do I protect myself from Arenavirus?

For information go to our Rodent Diseases page or the Centers for Disease Control.

What is plague?

Plague is a disease involving rodents and their fleas which transfer the infection to various animals including humans. For more information go to our Rodent Diseases page or the Centers for Disease Control.

How do I protect myself from plague?