(Newswire.net — June 7, 2023) —
Rodents, particularly rats, are creatures that most homeowners dread finding in their homes. Effective ways to control rats are important to implement because rats have long been associated with diseases and destruction since time immemorial. A rat infestation is not just a nuisance but also poses significant health risks and damages to property.
Why Rats Are Dangerous
Rats have evolved to live near human populations, often scavenging for food and shelter. They have a high reproductive rate which allows them to reproduce quickly once they find favorable conditions, making it essential for homeowners to deal with any suspected infestation immediately.
Rat infestations are dangerous for several reasons:
- Disease transmission: Rats carry various diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly to humans and other animals. Some of these include Leptospirosis, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, and Lassa Fever among others.
- Contamination of food: As rats scavenge for food, they can contaminate it with their urine, droppings or saliva which may contain disease-causing pathogens.
- Damage to property: Rats can cause structural damage by gnawing through wood or electrical wiring which may result in fires or failures in electrical systems.
Diseases Associated with Rat Infestations
The following is a list of some common diseases associated with rat infestations and how they affect humans:
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It is transmitted through rat urine, which can contaminate water and soil. Humans may contract the disease by ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated water or soil.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage, meningitis or liver failure. Treatment involves antibiotics to combat the bacteria.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious respiratory illness caused by Hantaviruses which are carried by rodents, including rats. Humans contract HPS through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine carrying the virus.
Symptoms of HPS include fever, muscle aches, headache, dizziness and nausea. The disease progresses rapidly and may cause respiratory failure as the lungs fill with fluid. Approximately half of all reported HPS cases have resulted in death.
Plague
Although not as common today as it once was in history, rats can still carry the bacterium Yersinia pestis that causes Plague. This is often transmitted to humans through bites from infected fleas that live on rats.
Symptoms of plague vary depending on the form – bubonic or pneumonic – but may include sudden onset of fever, chills and weakness; swollen and painful lymph nodes; coughing with bloody sputum; rapid pulse; difficulty breathing; chest pain; nausea and vomiting.
Preventing Rat Infestations
Below are some steps that homeowners can take to prevent rat infestations from occurring or taking hold:
- Proper sanitation: Ensure your home and surrounding areas are clean by properly disposing of garbage in sealed containers, cleaning up leftover pet food, and removing food scraps from outdoor seating areas.
- Eliminate water sources: Fix any leaks within your property and maintain proper drainage to ensure there are no standing pools of water for rats to drink from.
- Maintain your property: Repair cracks or gaps in walls and foundations; seal entry points around pipes, vents, and wires; trim overgrown vegetation around the property; keep firewood at least 18 inches off the ground.
Rat Infestation Control
If you suspect a rat infestation in your home, several measures can be taken to control their population effectively:
- Treatments: Create a treatment plan involving snap traps, glue boards or rodenticide baits, always keeping safety in mind – especially around children or pets. It is crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines carefully when using rodenticides.
- Maintenance: Maintain the cleanliness of the area during treatments and eliminate factors that may encourage re-infestation such as ensuring proper sanitation and sealing potential entry points.
- Pest management professionals: If rats continue to be a problem despite treatment efforts, it is wise to contact a pest management professional who has experience with rat extermination methods specific to your local region.
In Conclusion
A rat infestation poses significant dangers not only through disease transmission but also by causing physical damage to property. Homeowners who suspect a rat infestation should take control measures immediately to prevent further damage and protect against the potential health risks they carry. Regular maintenance, proper sanitation, and eliminating sources of food and water are essential in preventing rat infestations or their recurrence.