11 Things You Need to Know About Preventing Hantavirus

7. Storing Food Safely to Prevent Rodent Attraction

Easy access to food is a primary invitation for rodents. Secure all potential food sources to make your home less appealing. Store human food, including dry goods like grains and cereals, in airtight containers made of glass, metal, or heavy-duty plastic – rodents can easily chew through cardboard or thin plastic bags. Regularly clean pantries, cupboards, and under appliances to remove crumbs and spills. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, both indoors and outdoors. Don’t forget pet food; store it in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet bowls full overnight.

8. Educating Your Family About Hantavirus

Ensuring everyone in the household understands the risks and prevention strategies is key to collective safety. Talk to your family about why it’s important not to disturb rodents or their nests and to report any sightings immediately. Teach children, in age-appropriate ways, not to play near potential rodent habitats like woodpiles or abandoned sheds and the importance of handwashing. Open communication ensures everyone is aware of safe cleaning procedures (like not sweeping droppings) and understands the need to keep food secured and clutter minimized, fostering shared responsibility for a safe home.