It’s not unusual to have an unpleasant experience with a rodent at home, but are you aware of what risks do rats pose? Insects and pests of all kinds can be far more than a nuisance. They carry viruses and germs that can be transmitted to people. Fleas, ticks, or mites that have fed on an infected rodent, for example, may transfer it to humans indirectly.
Hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, tularemia, and plague are all diseases that can affect rats. It can also cause allergies and spread food-borne infections like salmonella. In addition, mice can produce up to 25,000 fecal pellets every year, or around 70 times per day. As a result, prevention and rapid elimination are critical in the event of a rodent infestation.
What Risks Do Rats Pose?
Rats pose health risks to humans that may lead to severe conditions. Since there are about 35 diseases associated with rodent species, let’s discuss some.
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is the most serious disease spread by rodent infestations. You can get infected by eating food that has been exposed to infected rodents or rodent droppings. It can sometimes be contracted by just inhaling air that has been exposed to mouse excrement. Furthermore, rodents can spread viruses through their saliva.
Hantavirus is lethal. Since there is presently no treatment for the disease, you can’t treat it without early detection. So, if you’ve come into touch with a mouse or rodent droppings of any kind and are experiencing symptoms like lethargy, fever, or muscle aches, see a doctor right away! According to the CDC, 36% of hantavirus cases in the United States result in mortality as of 2017.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus
Another common disease spread by rats is lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). LCMV is found in 5% of home rates in the United States, according to the CDC. Mice can have the disease for the rest of their lives without showing any signs of it. If your mice are among the 5% that are impacted, you should handle them with caution.
LCMV happens when humans come into touch with infected rats’ nesting materials, as well as their urine, saliva, or droppings. Although this disease is not lethal, you can contract it more than once. To avoid contracting LCMV, stay away from rats and make sure to seal your home or business. So, rodents can’t freely enter and escape.
At Expel Exterminator LLC, our approach and system in pest control will provide a long-term solution that we back up with a lifetime warranty!
Bubonic Plague
The bubonic plague, which caused “The Black Death” in the 14th century, killing 30-60% of Europe’s population, is still present today. The bubonic plague causes fever, severe weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, bleeding from the mouth, nose, rectum, or under the skin, and tissue blackening and death. Antibiotics are now accessible to treat patients and prevent fatal outcomes, but this does not change the fact that the condition has significant side effects!
When bacteria are present in droppings, they can also infect the air. It is why hiring a local pest control expert in San jose is essential. If you notice droppings at your home, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate and assistance identifying the excrement over the phone or a text message.
If infected rats are dangerous to human health, what is the safest way to handle rodent infestations? Learn more about risks that rats pose and safe rodent control in this blog.
Conclusion
Regular pest control by experts is the most straightforward, safest, and most efficient approach to preventing and eradicating mice and rats. Our professional pest control experts in San Jose offer year-round pest control services to keep rodents out of your home. We can also take care of any present rodent issues. To learn more or arrange an appointment, call (408) 417-1545 today.
Expel Exterminators LLC
(408) 417-1545
3622 Tuers Road San Jose, CA 95121
