Summer Heat In NJ Could Cause Surge In Rodents, Expert Says

NEW JERSEY — It's been a sweltering summer in New Jersey this year, and while residents have had to grapple with extreme temperatures, they may soon be facing a more unexpected threat: a rodent invasion.

The Garden State has experienced several days of excessive heat this summer. While residents have been enjoying more mild weather recently, the National Weather Service has recorded multiple days in July and August when high temperatures reached the mid- to upper 90s.

According to Zachary Smith of California-based Smith’s Pest Management, the excessive heat can create a "perfect storm" for a surge in rodent activity.

"When the environment becomes too hostile for rodents in the wild, they turn to our homes for food and shelter," Smith said in a news release. "Unfortunately, that means an invasion is likely."

Each fall, mice and other rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States. They typically enter homes between October and February looking for food, water and shelter from the cold.

But excessive heat can also drive them indoors, Smith said.

"When droughts hit, the landscape undergoes significant changes," he said. "Vegetation withers, water sources dry up, and ecosystems become stressed. These conditions drive rodents to seek out new environments where they can find the resources they need to survive — namely, food and water."

Smith urged New Jersey residents to be vigilant and recognize the early signs of an infestation. Here are some common indicators:

• Droppings: These are often found near food sources, in cupboards or along baseboards.
• Gnaw marks: Rats and mice constantly gnaw on objects to keep their teeth sharp. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, and wires.
• Nests: Rodents build nests from shredded paper, fabric, and other soft materials. These nests are usually hidden in dark, secluded areas like attics, basements, or behind appliances.
• Scurrying sounds: You might hear scratching or scurrying sounds in the walls, especially at night when rodents are most active.
• Footprints: In dusty areas, you may notice small footprints or tail marks.

If your home is invaded, it's key to address the issue promptly. According to pest control company Orkin, rodents can cause health issues and also severe structural damage with their strong jaws and burrowing skills.

To help avoid the potential health and safety risks associated with rodents, Orkin recommends the following tips to help keep rodents out:

• Store away food. Small crumbs and garbage are popular food sources, as are dry goods such as grains and cereals. These should be kept in sealed metal or glass containers to prevent contamination.
• Declutter. Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests. Take advantage of your extra time at home to clean and organize crowded spaces around the house and facility.
• Maintain your landscaping. Tall grass with adequate harborages, such as woodpiles next to the house, can be ideal habitats for rodents. Tree branches in contact with homes can also offer rodents easy access to the upper levels of your home where they may find a way into the attic.
• Inspect both inside and outside your home. Keep an eye out for rodent droppings, burrows and rub marks along baseboards and walls. The sooner rodents are detected, the better.
• Look for possible entry points. Seal any holes and cracks that are found around your home. Install weather strips around entryways, especially under doors, to help keep mice out of your home.