Rodents can carry and spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella and leptospirosis to humans and domestic animals. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Why are rodents a concern in Los Alamos? 

Spread diseases: Rodents can carry and spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella and leptospirosis to humans and domestic animals. Hantavirus has a high fatality rate. 

Contaminate food: Rodents can contaminate food with their urine, droppings, and hair. 

Cause structural damage: Rodents can damage buildings by gnawing on insulation, wiring, pipes, water hoses, mortar, cement, wood doors, floors, walls, clothing, and furniture. 

Cause fire hazards: Rodents can chew on electrical wires, causing electrical shorts and fires. 

Trigger allergies and asthma: Rodent droppings, urine, and dander can trigger allergies and asthma in some people. 

To learn tips and steps to take to prevent rodents in homes, visit the County wildlife page and look at the Animal of the Month: Rodents: www.lacnm.com/wildlife