Rodent Spread Disease and Infections

  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Rodent Spread Disease and Infections
closeup of rodent on a exterior wall surrounded by dry leaf

Healthy Living Starts with Rodent Prevention

Prevent rodent infestations and protect your health with proactive exclusion and removal services.

Rodents are not just a nuisance; they pose significant health risks by carrying and transmitting diseases to humans. Understanding the dangers they represent is crucial for recognizing the importance of rodent exclusion and removal services.

Tiny Pests, Huge Problems

Rodents such as rats and mice are known carriers of several bacterial and viral infections that can seriously impact human health. Here are the two main types of diseases spread by these pests:

Bacterial Diseases

  • Rat bite fever: A disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rodents, or contact with surfaces contaminated by these animals.
  • Leptospirosis: Often spread through water contaminated with infected rat urine, affecting both humans and animals.
  • Salmonellosis: Contracted by consuming food or water contaminated by rodent feces.
  • Tularemia: An infection that can be acquired through direct contact with infected animals or via insect bites.
  • Sylvatic typhus: Transmitted by fleas that have fed on infected rodents.

Viral Diseases

  • Hantavirus: Contracted through inhalation of air contaminated with the virus from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
  • Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome: Spread by aerosolized virus particles from rodent excretions.
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV): A rodent-borne viral infectious disease that may cause severe neurological problems.
  • Lassa fever: Primarily found in West Africa, this disease can be transmitted through contact with the excretions of infected rats.
  • Mpox: Though primarily spread through human-to-human contact, rodents are potential carriers of the virus.

Transmission Modes

Rodents can transmit diseases through several direct and indirect methods:

  • Airborne transmission: Breathing in dust contaminated with dried rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials.
  • Direct contact: Touching contaminated materials such as bedding, or being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent.
  • Indirect contact: Eating food or drinking water contaminated with rodent droppings.

Habitat and Disease Transmission

Rodents that inhabit areas close to human residences tend to carry more pathogens compared to their counterparts in natural settings. Urban rodents frequently contact sewers, garbage, and other waste sources, increasing their exposure to dangerous bacteria and viruses, including antibiotic-resistant strains.

Don’t Let Rodents Compromise Your Health

Symptoms of Rodent-Borne Diseases

Different diseases present various symptoms, some of which are quite severe and require immediate medical attention:

  • Hantavirus symptoms: Include coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, fever, headaches, and muscle aches.
  • Symptoms of leptospirosis: This illness can manifest through a range of symptoms, often starting with high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting.

Importance of Rodent Control

The health risks associated with rodent infestations underscore the importance of professional rodent exclusion and removal services. Effective management not only helps prevent the spread of disease but also protects your living or working environment from the extensive damage rodents are capable of causing.

Your Rodent-Free Home Starts Here

Don’t wait for an infestation to become a health hazard. Safeguard your home and health today by consulting with our professional rodent exclusion and removal team. We provide solutions to ensure that your environment remains safe, clean, and rodent-free. Protect your family and property by addressing the problem at its source with proven strategies and effective treatments. Reach out now to discuss your specific needs and to schedule a consultation.