COVID-19 Side-Effect: CDC Warns Rats Might Be More Aggressive During Pandemic; Rodent's Urine Can Cause Food-Borne Illnesses
by Giuliano J. de LeonThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that rats might become more aggressive during the pandemic since food sources become scarce. According to Independent's latest report, humans are not the only ones affected by the lockdown caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. Some rodents are becoming more brazen to find new food sources since almost all restaurants are currently closed.
Also Read: COVID-19 Update: 99.9% of Coronavirus Can Be Killed by Germ-Zapping Robot Used by Hollywood; Study Shows COVID-19 Can Block Human Genes
Rats Are Becoming More Aggressive During The Pandemic, Warned CDC: Food-Borne Illnesses Can Possibly Spread
Restaurants' trash bins are no longer overflowing with food leftovers that are mainly the food source of the rats living in the city. The stay-at-home restrictions being implemented during the pandemic pushed many cafes and restaurants to close, limiting their services to food takeout and delivery, leading to reduced sales. Since rodents become more aggressive because they are finding slimmer pickings that they used to, CDC has issued guidance that will help people how to deter the sudden change of the rats' behavior.
Rats are becoming more aggressive during the pandemic
Reports of the rat infanticide and cannibalism had increased in New York, while Chicago received more rat complaints since humans produce more food waste at home since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC advises businesses and homeowners to seal holes rodents could access in buildings, put pet and bird food out of reach, and, most importantly, cover the garbage cans to avoid attracting aggressive rats.
Rats Are Becoming More Aggressive During The Pandemic, Warned CDC: Food-Borne Illnesses Can Possibly Spread
"Some jurisdictions have reported an increase in rodent activity as rodents search for new sources of food," CDC stated.
"Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behavior," explained CDC.
Pest control workers are classified as essential in cities trying to combat the rat issues, like the District of Columbia. According to city 311 data, 800 calls regarding rodents were received by the District for the past months. Food-borne illnesses such as salmonella can be transmitted by rodents and other health issues such as asthma and allergies--children are most likely at risk,
Because of the aggressive behavior of rodents, they are starting to devour cars, posing an additional threat to those working remotely. Car engines and tires that were destroyed by the rodents can cause fires, pushing goaded officials and car owners to seek their own solutions for the pest issue. Bobby Corrigan, an urban rodentologist, stated that the rats would need to adapt to find new food sources as the pandemic continues. He also currently works with other pest experts to share what they discovered surveying the area affected by the pests.