Three Overlooked Spots That Could Let Rodents In

With fewer than half of Americans taking steps to keep them out, the National Pest Management Association shares simple prevention tips and why they matter during Rodent Awareness Week

FAIRFAX, Va. (Oct. 19, 2026) – A torn food package in the pantry, droppings beneath the sink or a gnawed box in the basement might not seem like much on its own, but together, they may be signs that rodents have moved in. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is recognizing Rodent Awareness Week, Oct.18-24, 2026, with tips to help homeowners spot the warning signs early, understand the health and property risks and know when it’s time to bring in a professional.

According to an NPMA survey conducted online by the Harris Poll, only 40% of Americans take preventive measures to keep rodents out of their homes. That means most people are leaving the door open, sometimes literally, for these pests to sneak in. Once inside, they may contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria like salmonella and can chew through drywall, insulation and even electrical wiring, costing significant and often costly damage.

“You don’t have to wait until a mouse runs across your floor to realize something is wrong,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs at the NPMA. “A few minutes spent checking the kitchen, basement, garage and perimeter of your home can help catch the signs of an infestation early.”

Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime, while rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter. NPMA highlights three entry points homeowners should inspect:  

NPMA also encourages homeowners to store food in airtight containers, secure garbage cans, limit outdoor food sources and remove clutter. Watch for droppings, chewed wires and nesting materials. If you spot signs of rodents, contact a qualified pest control professional. 

To learn more about the risks rodents pose, explore NPMA’s Rodents Revealed, What Grows There and Out of Sight projects.  For prevention tips and help finding a pest management professional near you, visit PestWorld.org. 

Survey Methodology 

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA between August 27 – August 29, 2026, among 1,096 U.S. adults ages 18+. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, please contact NPMATeam@vaultcommunications.com.