Health Risks of a rodent infestation

Have you seen signs of rats or mice in your home? If so, you probably want to know how serious the situation is. Rodents can spread diseases and contaminate food, but how serious are the health risks of a rodent infestation?

Staying informed about these risks is crucial to making the best decision for you and your loved ones. In this article, we will explore the health risks associated with rodent infestations, and explain why the best policy is always to address the issue promptly.

What are the Disease Risks of a Rat or Mouse Infestation?

Rats and mice are common pests in homes and businesses. While they may seem harmless if they stay out of the way, they’re actually still a serious health risk. That’s because rats and mice come out at night and track pathogens wherever they go.

These can be transmitted through droppings, urine, or saliva. Often, this takes place in the kitchen or bathroom. These rodent-borne diseases include:

• Hantavirus: Hantavirus is a respiratory illness that can be fatal. It is spread through contact with the urine or droppings of infected rodents.
• Salmonella: Salmonella is a foodborne illness that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It is spread through contact with contaminated food or water.
• Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes kidney failure. It is spread through contact with the urine of infected rodents.

What Other Health Risks Come with Rodent Infestation?

Disease transmission is one of the most significant risks of having a rodent infestation, but it’s not the only one. Rodents bring a whole host of other problems, too.

Some other rodent-related risks include:

• Parasites: Rodents can bring fleas, ticks, and mites indoors. These tiny pests bring their own set of health risks like Lyme disease.
• Allergic reactions: Many people are allergic to rodent waste and being present in the same room with it can trigger sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes.
• Property damage: Given enough time, rodents can chew through almost anything. Even strong material like PVC piping can be breached by rodent teeth.
• Fire hazards: You would be surprised how often rodents start fires by chewing through electrical wires.

Eliminate Your Rodent Risk ASAP

At Lookout Pest Control, we’ve provided rodent control services in the Southeastern United States area for more than 35 years. We locally-owned and operated, and committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our treatments are effective and safe.

Rodents are a serious health risk. They can carry diseases, spread parasites, and cause allergies. If you think you may have a rodent infestation, don’t delay – call your trusted rodent exterminator today.