Rodents are small, furry creatures in many environments, including your home. Unfortunately, these animals can carry many diseases that can harm humans. Because of how harmful these diseases can be, it is important to know what they are and how they can affect you and your family.
Common Rodent Diseases
Some of the most common rodent diseases include:
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is spread through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. It can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be deadly.
Rat-bite Fever
Rat-bite fever occurs from bites or scratches from infected rats. It can cause fever, vomiting, and rash.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with rodent droppings or contaminated food or water. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
This virus is spread through rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. It can cause fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from rodent diseases is to keep these animals out of your home. However, it can be difficult to know if you have a rodent infestation, especially if you don’t see any live rodents.
Some signs to look out for include the following:
- Droppings: Rodent droppings are small, dark, and shaped like rice grains. You may find them in your pantry, cabinets, or other areas where food is stored.
- Gnaw marks: Rodents have sharp teeth to chew through wood, plastic, and other materials. Look for gnaw marks on baseboards, furniture, and other surfaces.
- Nesting materials: Rodents often use shredded paper, fabric, and other materials to build their nests. Look for these materials in dark, quiet areas like closets, attics, and basements.
- Strange noises: If you hear scratching or squeaking sounds from your walls, ceilings, or floors, you may have a rodent infestation.
How to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home
If you suspect that you have a rodent infestation, it’s important to act right away. Here are some tips for keeping rodents out of your home:
- Seal cracks and holes: Rodents can squeeze through even the tiniest openings, so it’s important to seal up any cracks or holes in your walls, floors, and foundation.
- Keep food sealed: Rodents are attracted to food, so keep all food in sealed containers. Don’t leave food out on counters or tables.
- Clean up clutter: Rodents love to hide in cluttered areas, so keep your home neat and tidy. Get rid of any unnecessary items and store the rest in sealed containers.
- Hire an exterminator: If you have a serious rodent infestation, it may be necessary to hire a professional exterminator. They can use traps and other methods to eliminate rodents from your home.
Understanding the Dangers of Rodent Diseases
Rodent diseases can be very dangerous, so keeping these animals out of your home is important. By keeping your home clean, sealing up cracks and holes, and hiring an exterminator, if necessary, you can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of rodent-borne illnesses.