Rats are tiny rodents that can cause major problems within your home in a short amount of time. As they nest, they will damage property, chew through your belongings and contaminate surfaces with their waste. The pests are also carriers of dangerous diseases that can threaten the health and safety of you and your loved ones. Here are some of the health risks you can face when dealing with a rat infestation.
Health Risks of a Rat Infestation
A rat infestation can spread disease either directly or indirectly. Direct contact involves firsthand exposure to rat feces, urine, bites or scratches. Indirect transmission can occur through the fleas or ticks that the rats carry inside. Some of the most common health risks caused by rat exposure include:
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus is a directly transmitted disease that spreads primarily through contact with rat droppings. While symptoms may initially look like the flu, hantavirus can also attack the respiratory system, causing difficulty breathing that requires immediate treatment.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease is another example of direct transmission. It spreads through direct contact with infected water supplies. Common side effects of leptospirosis include a high fever, headache and jaundice and can lead to kidney or liver damage if left untreated.
Salmonellosis
Also known as salmonella, salmonellosis spreads by consuming food or water contaminated with rat droppings. Salmonellosis causes serious gastrointestinal issues, and severe infections may require medical assistance.
Colorado Tick Fever
Colorado Tick Fever (CTF) spreads from bites of Rocky Mountain wood ticks, which are commonly found on rats. CTF can cause fatigue, skin rash and sore throat.
Plague
While rare, rats can be carriers of the plague, which are transmitted by their fleas.
The Dangers of DIY Rat Removal
As soon as you notice signs of rats on your property, it’s time to take action. The longer they’re allowed to nest, the more time they have to cause costly property damage and pose dangerous health risks. While DIY rat removal may seem like a cheap and quick solution, such at-home remedies often involve dangerous chemicals and snap traps that can create more problems than they solve. If you need effective and affordable pest control, rely on the licensed, trained and experienced experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers.
Rely on Animal Wildlife Trappers for Safe and Efficient Rat Removal Services
The professional team of rat removal technicians at Animal Wildlife Trappers are equipped to get rid of your rat infestation and ensure a safe and permanent removal. We’ll identify any entry points used by the pests, use strategic traps to remove the rodents, and eliminate any contamination left by the unwanted guests. To schedule an appointment and receive a free rat removal estimate, call Animal Wildlife Trappers today at 352-267-0546.