Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Rodents
In the worst cases, rodents might seem like a bother, but their presence goes far beyond the scary scrambles and scurries they make at night.
The warm weather and lots of food sources in Florida make these furry (or sometimes not-so-furry) invaders very common there. They are a major threat to our health and homes there.
Lockhart Pest Control can help you find rats in your home or business and get rid of them, keeping you and your family safe from the harm they could cause. Let us learn more about the secret risks of rats, like the diseases they spread and the damage they can do to our property.
Rodents carry a lot of diseases.
Mice and rats are like little, unwanted carriers for a lot of nasty diseases. Infectious diseases can be spread by their bites, droppings, and even the air they breathe!
Bacteria
Salmonella is often to blame for fevers, chills, and stomach problems. Leptospirosis is another bacterial enemy that can make you feel like you have the flu or even cause your kidneys to fail.
Virals
Hantavirus is a very bad illness that can make you feverish, have aches and pains in your muscles, and have trouble breathing. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can make you feel like you have the flu and, in some cases, can even cause meningitis.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and mites often ride along with mice and rats. These parasites not only bite and itch, but they can also spread diseases.
| Disease | Symptoms of the disease | How the disease is spread |
| Salmonella | Chills, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. | They can be spread through contaminated food and water. |
| Leptospirosis | It causes flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, and kidney failure in severe cases. | It can spread through contaminated water or soil. |
| Hantavirus | Fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. | It can be caused by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine. |
| LCMV | Flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, meningitis. | It can be spread through contact with rodent droppings and urine. |
| Fleas, ticks, and mites | Itchy bites. | Bites from parasites or contact with infested rodents can cause this. |
It is important to remember that rats and their waste can make healthy people sick. People who are pregnant, young children, or people with weak immune systems are more likely to get it.
The property damage that rodents can cause
Mice and rats are really destructive creatures that can do a lot of damage to your home. They chew on lines, which can cause fires and mess up the power.
They can also eat through insulation, walls, pipes, and other building materials, which can make your home less stable. It can also smell bad and make you sick when they pee or poop.
The damage will get worse over time if it is not fixed. It is very important to find and get rid of rat problems as soon as possible to avoid expensive fixes and possible health risks. So, it is important to deal with these problems right away.
How can you keep your home rodent-free?
Being ready for the secret risks of mice is the best way to protect yourself. Here are some ways to keep these unwanted guests out:
- Fill in any cracks or holes in your home’s walls with glue or another suitable material to keep rats out.
- Keep food safe in containers that do not let air in, and quickly wipe up any spills or crumbs.
- Rats and mice will be less likely to come into your home if it is not too cluttered. Get rid of things you do not need and clean up storage areas to make them look less appealing.
- If you think rats are living in your home, set traps to catch them and make sure they are thrown away properly after you catch them.
Stop rats from getting into your home and take care of them right away to protect your health, your home, and your peace of mind. Even the cutest mouse can be dangerous, so act now to keep them out.
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