Risks & Health Issues Caused by Rodents
Rodents, such as rats and mice, are found all around the world and are known for their quick reproductive rates and their ability to spread diseases. They are one of the most problematic pests in households, businesses, and other areas. In this blog, we will discuss the risks and health issues caused by rodents.
Rodent-Borne Diseases:
Hantavirus: Hantavirus is a viral infection that is transmitted to humans by rodents, especially deer mice. The virus is found in the urine, faeces, and saliva of infected rodents and can be transmitted to humans through contact with these fluids or by inhaling dust contaminated with the virus. Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, and respiratory problems.
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with the urine of infected rodents. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes or mouth. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, muscle aches, and vomiting.
Rat-bite fever: Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected rodents. The bacteria can also be transmitted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Symptoms of rat-bite fever include fever, chills, and rash.
Salmonellosis: Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through contact with the faeces of infected rodents. The bacteria can also be found on surfaces contaminated with rodent faeces. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Plague: Plague is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas that live on rodents such as rats, squirrels, and chipmunks. Plague can also be transmitted through contact with the blood or tissue of infected animals. Symptoms of plague include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.
Preventing rodent-borne diseases involves controlling rodent populations, keeping homes and buildings clean and free of rodent infestations, and taking precautions when working in areas where rodents may be present. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with rodent urine, faeces, and saliva can also help prevent the spread of rodent-borne diseases. If you suspect that you have been exposed to a rodent-borne disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Allergic Reactions:
In addition to spreading diseases, rodents can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Exposure to rodent faeces, urine, or dander can trigger allergies and asthma. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing.
Property Damage:
Rodents, including mice, rats, and squirrels, can cause significant damage to property if they are allowed to enter homes, businesses, or other structures. Property damage caused by rodents can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural damage and can be costly to repair.
One of the most common forms of property damage caused by rodents is gnawing. Rodents have incisors that never stop growing, so they must continually chew on hard objects to keep their teeth from becoming too long. This means that if rodents get inside a building, they are likely to chew on a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, insulation, and electrical wires. Rodent damage to electrical wiring can be particularly dangerous, as it can create a fire hazard.
Another way that rodents can damage property is by burrowing. Some rodents, such as ground squirrels, may dig tunnels underneath buildings, causing them to sink or become unstable. Burrowing rodents can also damage underground utilities, such as gas lines and water pipes, by undermining them.
Rodents can also cause damage to stored items, such as food, clothing, and furniture. Rats and mice are known to chew through cardboard boxes and plastic bags to access food, and they may also shred clothing or furniture to use as nesting material.
If left unchecked, rodent infestations can lead to significant property damage and pose a health hazard to humans. It is important to take steps to prevent rodents from entering buildings and to promptly address any signs of infestation to minimize the potential for damage. Some common prevention methods include sealing cracks and gaps in building exteriors, keeping food in tightly sealed containers, and using traps or baits to control rodent populations.
Conclusion:
Rodents are a serious health and safety hazard. They can transmit deadly diseases, trigger allergic reactions, and cause significant property damage. It is essential to take preventative measures to keep rodents out of your home or business. These measures may include sealing cracks and holes, eliminating food sources, and keeping the area clean and clutter-free. If you suspect a rodent infestation, contact a professional pest control service immediately to ensure your safety and protect your property.
Get Professional Help: If you’re dealing with a possum infestation in your home or business, it’s important to seek out professional help to get rid of the problem. Hiring professionals who have experience in catching and removing possums is the best way to ensure the safety of the animals and the effectiveness of the removal process. Rip Rodent Control Hobart is the best pest control service provider in Hobart, with a team of skilled technicians who can provide reliable and efficient possum removal services. By hiring them, you can be sure that your possum problem will be taken care of humanely and effectively.