Rodents have long been linked to public health concerns, from contaminating food to spreading disease. Naturally, the arrival of COVID-19 prompted questions about whether mice and rats could carry or transmit the virus to humans. For homeowners and businesses, understanding these risks is crucial for peace of mind and effective pest control.
At Preventive Pest Control, we contributed to answering these questions by supporting a study on COVID-19 transmission in rodents. This blog shares our involvement, explains the research findings, and highlights how our skills and services promote safer homes and communities.
Beyond Extermination: Our Contribution to COVID-19 Research
Preventive Pest Control’s role extended beyond routine pest management. In 2020, we actively helped scientists collect data to understand the potential for rodent-to-human COVID-19 transmission.
Our team safely collected and handled the rodents and worked with Dr. Michael Parsons, who shipped the mice and rats to research facilities. The EcoHealth publication officially acknowledged our efforts, highlighting the critical role pest control professionals can play in public health research.
Our specific tasks included:
- Identifying sites with potential rodent activity, residential and commercial.
- Capturing and handling mice and rats for study.
- Properly freezing and packaging specimens for shipping to laboratories.
- Maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols throughout the process.
- Coordinating with researchers to transport each sample.
This level of involvement demonstrates how our assistance goes beyond pest removal, aiding the broader understanding of public health risks.
The Science Behind the Study: Rodents, SARS-CoV-2, and Human Health
The main objective of the research was to find out whether wild rodents could carry SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antibodies, potentially serving as reservoirs for the virus's evolution. Since rodents live near humans, this initially raised worries about their role in spreading COVID-19.
The study tested 248 rodents collected from homes and businesses, including wild mice, deer mice, brown rats, and black rats. Pest control professionals like our team helped gather these animals, making sure the study accurately reflected real-world interactions between rodents and humans.
Key findings from the study include:
- No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antibodies in the rodents tested.
- Commensal rats and mice are not considered reservoirs for the virus.
- Proper monitoring and control of rodents remain essential for general health, but COVID-19 transmission is not a documented risk.
These results reassure homeowners and business operators worried about COVID-19 exposure from rodents while highlighting the importance of professional pest control for ongoing safety.
Our Commitment to Your Safety: Proficiency in Action
Preventive Pest Control’s role in this research showcases more than technical skill. It highlights our dedication to scientific progress and public health. By assisting with studies that guide global health policies, we help keep communities safer while boosting knowledge about pests and disease.
Our rodent control services blend hands-on experience with proven safety protocols, giving Houston residents and businesses confidence in a team known for know-how and dependability. Working with professionals helps keep pests out of your property and minimizes health risks.
Partnering for a Healthier Community
Through our assistance with COVID-19 research, Preventive Pest Control helped scientists demonstrate that common rodents are unlikely to spread SARS-CoV-2, while reaffirming our commitment to public safety.
For effective pest management and professional guidance, contact us at (713) 955-7405 and let our trusted team protect your home or business.