Targeted Mouse Control Significantly Reduces Allergens in Low-Income Housing, Study Shows

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — A new study published in JACI: Global shows that effective pest control alone, without additional environmental intervention, can significantly reduce mouse allergens in low-income housing, helping to mitigate asthma risks in vulnerable populations.

Researchers from Rutgers University and Johns Hopkins University studied 18 apartment buildings in New Brunswick, Trenton and Paterson, N.J., where mouse infestations are common. The focus was on Mus m 1, a potent allergen produced by house mice (Mus musculus) that is linked to increased asthma severity and reduced lung function.

Apartments were randomly assigned to one of three groups: trapping and baiting (T&B), trapping and baiting combined with rodent exclusion (T&B+E), or existing pest control services, which typically involved limited use of bait or glue boards.

Researchers collected dust samples from kitchens, bedroom floors and beds at the beginning of the study and again after six, 12 or 24 months. Because there was no significant difference in mouse infestation rates between the T&B and T&B+E groups, those results were combined for analysis.

The results showed a clear benefit from the targeted pest control strategies. In kitchens, allergen levels dropped by 97.4% in New Brunswick, 85.8% in Trenton and 34.9% in Paterson. In contrast, allergen levels in the control group varied widely, with some apartments showing increases of more than 600%.

“These findings show that effective mouse control, even without additional environmental cleanup, can greatly reduce allergen exposure,” said lead author Souvic Sarker, Ph.D., of Rutgers University.

No significant reduction was found in bedroom allergen levels, suggesting that allergens may persist in areas less directly affected by rodent activity, or that additional cleaning measures may be needed.

Mouse allergens are a major health concern in inner-city communities, where conventional pest control methods often fall short due to reliance on resident complaints and limited follow-up.

“This research underscores the importance of proactive pest management,” said co-author Changlu Wang, Ph.D. “With the right approach, we can improve indoor air quality and reduce asthma triggers in high-risk communities.”

The study highlights the potential for basic, consistent rodent control to deliver measurable public health benefits. The full findings are available in the August 2025 issue of JACI: Global.