Mice, scorpions on the move as Las Vegas construction pushes pests into neighborhoods

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —Mice and scorpions are increasingly active this time of year.

Las Vegas exterminators say construction and population growth are part of the reason.

What’s driving the activity

Frankie Farina, who conducts drone home assessments to keep pigeons away, said pest activity has increased in recent years.

“It’s definitely gone up over the past couple of years, and it’s just contributing to construction, population growth,” Farina said, who is with Fortified Pest Management.

For both mice and scorpions, housing developments push the animals out of their habitats and into other locations. There remains a lot of home construction around the valley.

Hantavirus risk

Mice are a concern because many can carry diseases. Deer mice can carry hantavirus, which can be potentially deadly. Different pest companies said deer mice are present in the area, but they do not see them frequently.

UNLV Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Brian Labus said hantavirus is not a routine concern in Nevada.

“We’ve had one case reported throughout the entire state this year, and that’s been up in Douglas County near Carson City. It’s not something where people are getting every single day. But there always is that potential risk. So, it’s better to not take chances with it,” Labus said.

How to clean up rodent droppings safely

The CDC says not to vacuum or sweep rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials, because that can cause tiny droplets containing viruses to get into the air.

Labus said to wear gloves and a mask during cleanup.

The CDC says when using bleach to disinfect, let it sit for at least five minutes.

“If you just give it a quick spray and it dries immediately, the bleach isn’t really going to be able to work,” Labus said.

To wipe up droppings, put on gloves first, apply a cleaning product, then wipe with a paper towel. Before removing the gloves, the CDC says wash them with soap and water or disinfectant, then take them off and throw them away.

Keeping pests away from your home

For both mice and scorpions, trim overgrown vegetation where both can hide. Farina said scorpions are attracted to palm tree husks, and trimming those can help keep them away.

More information on dealing with rodents and their droppings can be found here: How to Clean Up After Rodents | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC