You already know a rodent problem in your home isn’t really something you want. What you may not know, though, is that rodent control is important far beyond the “Ewww, gross” fears you have of mice and rats in your home. Instead, a rodent infestation is actually a danger to your health, as well as the health of those who live in your home. Think those little creatures can’t actually harm your health? You may want to think again.
The Reasons Behind the Health Concern
Rats, mice, and other rodents usually stay away from humans as much as possible once they infest your home, They can still transmit disease, though. They leave their droppings and urine all over your home, and they can contaminate your food and even run across your countertops where you’re preparing food. Those actions alone put you at great risk for a couple of different conditions. You could get LCMV, which is a virus that is transmitted through both the urine and saliva of rats. You could also get Salmonellosis, which occurs when you consume either food or water that has been contaminated by rat feces. If you inhale infected rodent urine or droppings, you could also be exposed to Hantavirus, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
The other reason behind the health concern is the fact that rodents come with other pests. Fleas and ticks often live on rodents’ bodies, and with those fleas and ticks come other diseases. Bubonic plague is spread by the bites of fleas that live on infected rodents, and that causes fever, headache, and even death if it is untreated. Ticks can also live on mice, and that could mean a chance to encounter tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
A rodent infestation can mean serious health problems for you and your family, making rodent removal an absolute must. To learn more about how we can get rid of rodents in your home, contact us today.