Celebrity Death from Rodent-Borne Hantavirus Sparks Questions & Concerns

How to Protect Your Home from Rodents

The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa, wife of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman, has raised disquiet about Hantavirus, a rare but serious disease linked to rodent infestations. Hantavirus primarily spreads through mouse and rat droppings, urine, and saliva. While cases are uncommon, the risk is real. The best defense? Keeping rodents out of your home.

"Although it can become serious, even fatal, finding a mouse in your home is extremely common, even expected,” says Jim McHale, president and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management. “However, getting Hantavirus is extremely uncommon and can be prevented."

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus spreads when virus particles from rodent waste become airborne. Inhaling these particles can lead to severe respiratory illness. While rare, it’s a reminder of why rodent prevention is so important.

JP McHale's Best Defense Against Mice and Rats

• Seal Entry Points: Mice squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Seal cracks, gaps, and holes.
• Store Food Securely: Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs to remove attractants.
• Declutter & Clean: Less clutter means fewer hiding spots for rodents.
• Take Out Trash: Use sealed garbage cans and remove trash regularly to reduce food sources.

Chemical-Free and No More Mousetraps! JP McHale’s SMART Digital Rodent Control & Home Shield Exclusion System

What is the most effective way to avoid rodent problems? Stop them before they start. With 21 million homes in the U.S. experiencing rodent invasions each year, especially in cooler months, JP McHale has developed a two-tiered proactive defense system to keep homes rodent-free:

• SMART Digital Rodent Control: A nonchemical, 24/7 monitoring system that detects rodents in real time. If there’s activity, you’ll know before an infestation starts. 
• Home Shield Exclusion System: A permanent barrier that seals off entry points, keeping rodents out for good.

"No one wants to worry about rodents in their home, let alone the diseases they can carry," McHale adds. "Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind by stopping infestations before they start. With SMART Technology and Home Shield's protective barrier, we aim to safeguard our clients and their homes from rodents and the health risks associated with them through exposure to their droppings."

What to Do If You See Mouse Droppings

• Don’t sweep or vacuum — this can spread contaminated particles.
• Wear gloves and a mask before cleaning.
• Disinfect thoroughly with a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant.
• Call a professional if you suspect an infestation.

Take Action Now — Stay Rodent-Free

Keep mice out of your home! For more information about SMART or Home Shield, contact us at (833) 503-0787 or email sales@nopests.com.