Hantavirus Risk Rises with Rodent Activity

Rodent Droppings May Signal Serious Summer Health Concerns

Health officials are urging people in the Western U.S. to watch for signs of rodent activity, as the risk of hantavirus increases during summer. This virus is spread by deer mice and can cause deadly respiratory illness.

Those who live on a farm can be at higher risk.

Hantavirus spreads through the air when people come in contact with dried rodent waste. Early symptoms are often mistaken for the flu—fever, tiredness, and body aches—but can quickly turn into serious breathing problems. Prompt medical attention is essential for anyone exposed to rodent-contaminated spaces.

Common signs of rodents include rice-sized droppings, gnawed food packaging, shredded nest materials, and a musty smell. Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings can also be a warning.

“Rodents are incredibly resourceful and can enter homes through openings as small as a dime,” says Dr. Janet Kintz-Early, a Ph.D. Urban Entomologist and advisor to EarthKind®.

“Prevention starts with sealing up entry points and removing food sources. If you spot even minor evidence of activity, take action immediately—rodents reproduce quickly, and the health risks aren’t worth the delay.”

To avoid problems -

• Block entry points around doors, windows, and pipes

• Keep food sealed and counters clean

• Remove clutter from sheds, basements, and garages

• Store trash securely and feed pets indoors

• Place natural repellents in high-risk zones

Understanding these signs and prevention steps helps keep families safe from a silent but serious danger. Stay clean, stay alert, and act early.