Having a rat or mice infestation is the worst nightmare for many homeowners. There is nothing more discomforting than hearing a rat or mouse scurrying around in your home. However, these rodents are not just annoying pests. They can severely damage the health of you and your family. Our Sacramento pest control company explains how mice diseases and rat infestations can affect your physical health.
Do Mice Have Diseases?
Yes. People with mice infestations in their homes have contracted a number of serious illnesses. The most common way that mice can spread disease to humans is through direct contact. This includes:
- Contact with mice feces
- Contact with mice urine or saliva
- Having a mouse bite penetrate the skin
- Mere contact with a mouse
Mice diseases can also spread to humans indirectly. For example, ticks can feed on an infected mouse and transmit that infection to you and your family.
It is safe to say that mice are public health hazards that have the potential to carry diseases.
What Diseases Do Mice Carry?
Mice often urinate and defecate when marking their territory. They spread a number of dangerous pathogens throughout your home. This can cause you and your family to experience major health issues. The most common pathogens that mice spread include:
- Hantavirus
- Salmonella
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
Mice also do not bathe for long periods of time. Ticks and fleas cover their bodies for months on end. The main diseases caused by the parasites mice carry are:
- Lyme disease
- Bubonic plague
- Colorado tick fever
If you are currently dealing with a mice infestation, then do not panic. A pest control technician can remove the mice from your home. He or she will help you create a plan to prevent future infestations from occurring. Take this opportunity to rid your home of any mice diseases.
Do Rats Carry Disease?
Yes. Rats can transmit diseases through direct exposure from rat-infected feces, urine, or bites. Diseases that rats can spread through direct exposure include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Salmonella
Rats can also transmit diseases indirectly by intermediate vectors like fleas, ticks, or mites. Diseases that rats can spread indirectly include:
- Bubonic plague
- Colorado tick fever
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
To prevent exposure to rat-borne diseases, you should consult with a pest control professional. He or she will help you deal with the rat infestation that is plaguing your home. The most common steps involved in rodent extermination are:
- Removing all rat feces, nest materials, and dead rodents from your home
- Cleaning any infected areas
- Airing out your home following an infestation
- Sealing any gaps or holes inside or outside your home where rats can get into
Health Problems Caused By Rat and Mice Infestation
There are many health problems associated with rat and mice infestations. Both can, directly and indirectly, transmit a wide range of bacteria and diseases. If you have a rat or mice infestation in your home, then you should look out for the following symptoms.
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Stomach issues
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should seek medical attention immediately. You should also begin the rodent extermination process by contacting a pest control company. Do not leave your health and the health of your family to chance.
About Our Sacramento Pest Control Company
At Jones Bros Pest Control, Inc., we have over four decades of experience treating pests throughout the Sacramento area. Our pest control experts have treated all kinds of rat and mice infestations. For a free case evaluation, give us a call at 916-852-8800, or send us a message online. We will work hard to prevent any rat or mice diseases from entering your home again. Contact us today to receive answers to all your questions about rodent infestations.