Note: some rodents carry hantavirus, a potentially deadly
infection that is transmitted when humans breathe in dust
contaminated with the body fluids of infected rodents. If you
will be cleaning up after a rodent infestation, read this important information
first.
Rodent Infestations
The District does NOT conduct rodent control on private property,
but can assist homeowners and tenants with identifying and
solving rodent infestations. We can:
Inspect homes and businesses for evidence of rodent
infestation
Provide an impartial written report on evidence of rodent
infestation and any needed actions
Provide education and advice on controlling and excluding
commensal rodents
Provide presentations and training for groups and
organizations
For rodent trapping or baiting, contact a qualified pest control
operator.
Municipal Rodent Control
In some cities, the District may conduct rodent control in public
areas and creeks. Please contact the District office for more
information by calling (650) 344-8592 or emailing info@smcmvcd.org.
Rodent-borne Disease Surveillance
The District conducts rodent surveillance for hantavirus and
other rodent-borne diseases on a yearly basis. Laboratory staff
set humane live traps in local parks in order to collect rodents
for testing. The rodents caught are anesthetized then measured
and checked for parasites. Laboratory staff draw blood from
each rodent for a hantavirus antibody test. After
recovering from anesthesia, each rodent is carefully released at
the exact location where it was trapped in order to minimize
environmental impacts.
