NPMA Launches “Out of Sight” During Rodent Awareness Week

The National Pest Management Association unveils a new jaw-dropping video project to demonstrate how pests move throughout the home

FAIRFAX, Va. (October 18, 2021) – Every winter, 21 million U.S. homes are invaded by rodents as these pests move indoors in search of food and shelter. Mice and rats are capable of transmitting diseases as well as damaging property, making them a health and property threat. In honor of Rodent Awareness Week, this October 17 – 23, 2021, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is educating Americans about how much ground these furry pests can cover when no one is looking and offering tips on how to keep them out of the home.

In NPMA’s newest video project, Out of Sight, rodents and cockroaches walk through fluorescent dye before traversing a kitchen and bathroom undisturbed. When the lights are turned off, these rooms are covered with glowing tracks. In addition to photography and videos, Out of Sight offers valuable information about rodents and cockroaches and the signs of an infestation.

“Rodent infestations spike during the fall and winter months as mice and rats seek refuge inside homes,” said Cindy Mannes, senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Once they get inside, they can cause property damage by chewing through drywall and insulation, as well as the electrical wiring in your walls or vehicles. Damaged electrical wiring is not only costly to repair, but poses a fire hazard. These pests can also contaminate food and are known to carry 35 diseases that can be transmitted to humans.”

While these pests are often out of sight, they should never be out of mind, making proper prevention key to avoiding any run-ins with rodents. In light of Rodent Awareness Week 2021, NPMA is sharing prevention tips to help keep families and homes protected from the threats posed by a rodent infestation:

1. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home.
2. Inspect wires, insulation and walls for gnaw marks, which may indicate a rodent infestation.
3. Store boxes off of the floor to prevent rodents from residing in undisturbed areas.
4. Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the home.
5. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground.

If you suspect an infestation, do not attempt to eradicate it yourself. It is always recommended that you contact a licensed pest control professional to safely remove rodents from your home.

For more information, please visit www.PestWorld.org or outofsight.pestworld.org.

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About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube