Key points
- After a natural disaster, surviving rodents such as rats and mice move to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter.
- Rats and mice can spread disease, contaminate food, and destroy property.
- Keep food sealed in containers with tight fitting lids.
- Keep food, water, and items rodents can hide in away from them.
Script
Available Media
This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After a natural disaster, surviving rodents such as rats and mice move to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter. Rats and mice can spread disease, contaminate food, and destroy property. Keep food sealed in containers with tight fitting lids. Keep food, water, and items rodents can hide in away from them. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 5, 2024
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: August 26, 2026
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.