Rats and mice are known to carry a wide variety of diseases. Some of the diseases they carry can be transmitted to humans, while others can only be spread from rat to rat. They can carry bacteria and parasites, such as mites and ticks, and they can also carry viruses such as the rabies virus.
Rats are known to carry fleas, which are the intermediate host of tapeworms. This means that rats can spread tapeworms to humans if we touch a rat or accidentally eat an infected flea. Fleas also spread bubonic plague, another fatal disease that affects both humans and animals alike. There are a number of disease you can get off pests.
What is the most common disease carried by rats?
Rats can carry a number of diseases that can be harmful to humans. Some of the most common rat-borne diseases include:
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). HPS is a serious, sometimes fatal, respiratory illness. HFRS is a milder illness that can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes kidney failure.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. In some cases, leptospirosis can be life-threatening.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
LCMV is a virus that can cause a mild illness similar to the flu, or a more serious illness that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Plague
Plague is a bacterial infection that can be spread through the bites of infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals or their tissues. Plague can be a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Rat-bite fever
Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected rat. Symptoms of rat-bite fever can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Salmonellosis can be spread through contact with the feces of infected rodents.
It is important to note that not all rats carry diseases, and not all rats that carry diseases will transmit them to humans. However, it is always best to take precautions to prevent contact with rats, especially if you live in an area where rat infestations are common.
Here are some tips to help prevent rat infestations and the spread of rat-borne diseases:
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your home that rats could use to enter.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Do not leave pet food out overnight.
- Dispose of garbage properly.
- If you see a rat, contact a pest control professional immediately.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your family from the dangers of rat-borne diseases.
Can you get sick from rats in your house?
Yes, you can. Rats are a common problem in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom. They are often the cause of structural damage to homes and other buildings, which can cause problems with your property insurance. In addition, rats can spread disease and contaminate food supplies.
Rats transmit diseases via their waste products and bites. They also contaminate food supplies by leaving droppings on food or in containers holding food.
The threat of disease is a real concern when it comes to rats. Rats can carry a number of diseases that are transmitted through their urine, faeces, saliva and bites.
How to prevent disease from rats?
The best way to prevent disease from rats is by controlling them using traps, poison baits and other methods that will help get rid of these pests completely so that no one else gets sick from them again. Here are some tips on how to prevent disease from rats:
Keep your home clean and free of clutter.Â
Rats are attracted to food and shelter, so by keeping your home clean and free of clutter, you can make it less attractive to rats. This means regularly sweeping and mopping, vacuuming, and dusting. You should also get rid of any unnecessary items that could provide rats with shelter, such as old boxes, furniture, and appliances.
Seal up any cracks or holes in your home
Rats can squeeze through very small openings, so it’s important to seal up any cracks or holes in your home that they could use to enter. This includes holes around windows and doors, as well as holes in the foundation, walls, and ceilings.
Store food in airtight containers.Â
Rats are attracted to food, so it’s important to store food in airtight containers. This will help to keep food out of reach of rats and prevent them from contaminating it with their droppings or urine.
Do not leave pet food out overnight.Â
Pet food is a major attraction for rats, so it’s important to not leave pet food out overnight. This will help to keep pet food out of reach of rats and prevent them from contaminating it with their droppings or urine.
Dispose of garbage properly.Â
Garbage is another major attraction for rats, so it’s important to dispose of garbage properly. This means putting garbage in sealed bags and placing it in outdoor garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
If you see a rat, contact a pest control professional immediately
If you see a rat, it’s important to contact a pest control professional immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and take steps to remove the rats and prevent them from returning.
When dealing with rats, it’s important to remember that they can be quite dangerous, especially if they are in your home or near children. They can carry diseases and give birth to more rats when they are not controlled properly.
Rats are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to keep your home free of any food waste, especially in areas where it’s easy for rats to get access to it (like garages). It’s also important not to leave trash cans open or out at night – this gives rats an easy way into your home.
If you see signs of rats in your home (droppings or burrows), contact a pest control professional immediately!
Additional tips to help protect yourself from rat-borne diseases:
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up rat droppings or urine.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning up rat droppings or urine.
- Do not handle dead rats. If you see a dead rat, call a pest control professional to remove it.
- If you are bitten by a rat, seek medical attention immediately.
If you are looking for rat removal in Glasgow and surrounding areas, get in touch with Eliminate Solutions today!
