Rodent infestations are never a good thing, for many reasons. On top of the general annoyance they create, rodents can carry diseases that may prove fatal. Contact the local exterminator in Bartlesville, OK and keep your distance from the pests until help arrives. Below are a few rodent diseases to watch out for and how they’re transmitted to humans.
Rat and mice droppings
Telltale signs of a rodent infestation include urine stains and fecal matter lying in the basement. Be careful when you clean up rodent droppings, because they contain harmful bacteria. For instance, the hantavirus is a fatal rodent disease that’s passed to humans through contact with infected droppings.
Rat and mice droppings present a serious health hazard and are especially dangerous if you live with small children. Make sure young family members don’t play in areas that are susceptible to an infestation, like tool sheds or a remote corner of the backyard. While the hantavirus is rare, rodents can carry other diseases and require an exterminator from Bartlesville, OK for proper removal.
Contaminated food and water
A more common rodent disease is leptospirosis. Wild animals spread it to humans via water and food supplies containing Leptospira bacteria. If rodents have invaded your home, the food pantry is their favorite spot at night while you’re asleep. Your best course of action is to dispose of any food packaging that was ransacked by rats and mice. It sounds wasteful, but you don’t want to risk sharing food with these little critters.
Pets can become infected with leptospirosis, too. Rodents not only go after human food, but will feast on your dog’s food bowl as well. Even if rats haven’t found their way indoors, food and water dishes left outside are at risk for contamination. Prevent your furry companion from getting sick by picking up their food and water bowls when not in use.
Dead rodents in the house
Rodents can carry diseases even while they’re dead. For example, you might catch tularemia while handling infected carrion. Though tularemia is rare, the United States receives a few annual cases, and it isn’t worth the risk. If you encounter a dead rat or mouse in the basement, wear gloves and use extreme caution for proper disposal.
Homeowners in Bartlesville, OK might attempt to fight a rodent infestation with cheap rat poison. This method is not recommended because you’ll inevitably have to get rid of the dead rats and mice left over. Plus, you don’t want the smell of rotten carrion stinking up your house! The best way to snuff out these pesky critters is by calling in the professionals.
At the very least, rodent infestations are a nuisance. In severe cases, rats and mice can lead to a death in the family. Even if you’re careful, rodents won’t go away unless you have the knowledge and skill of an expert backing you up. There’s only one right way to rid your home of the tiny creatures. Schedule an appointment with Excellence Pest Control and let our team of experts handle the problem for you.