Diseases That Rodents Can Bring
Rodents, while often small and seemingly innocuous, are significant carriers of numerous diseases that can pose serious health risks to humans. These pests, including rats and mice, thrive in various environments, often seeking refuge in human dwellings where food, water, and shelter are readily available. Understanding the diseases they can transmit is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy home environment.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Cause: Hantavirus
Transmission: Hantavirus is primarily spread through the inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. It can also be contracted through direct contact with these substances or through bites from infected rodents.
Symptoms: Early symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, particularly in the thighs, hips, backs, and shoulders. These symptoms can progress to severe respiratory distress, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Prevention: Proper sanitation, sealing of entry points, and eliminating potential rodent habitats around the home are essential preventative measures. Professional pest control services can provide thorough inspections and effective rodent control solutions.
Leptospirosis
Cause: Leptospira bacteria
Transmission: This bacterial infection is spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, including rodents. Humans can contract leptospirosis through direct contact with contaminated water or soil, especially through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through mucous membranes.
Symptoms: Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting to severe cases involving liver damage, kidney failure, meningitis, or respiratory diseases.
Prevention: Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water and soil, as well as controlling rodent populations, are key preventative strategies. Professional pest control services can help identify and mitigate rodent infestations.
Salmonellosis
Cause: Salmonella bacteria
Transmission: Rodents can carry Salmonella in their intestines, shedding the bacteria in their feces. Humans can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with rodent feces.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to dehydration and require medical attention.
Prevention: Proper food storage, sanitation, and rodent control are crucial in preventing salmonellosis. Pest control professionals can assist in identifying and eliminating rodent infestations to minimize the risk.
Plague
Cause: Yersinia pestis bacteria
Transmission: Plague is primarily spread through the bite of infected fleas that have fed on infected rodents. It can also be contracted through direct contact with infected animal tissues or fluids.
Symptoms: Symptoms of plague can vary depending on the form of the disease but often include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe cases can lead to septicemia or pneumonia.
Prevention: Reducing rodent populations and controlling fleas are essential measures. Professional pest control services can provide comprehensive solutions to minimize the risk of plague transmission.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
Cause: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)
Transmission: LCMV is primarily spread by the common house mouse. Humans can contract the virus through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, as well as through direct contact with these substances.
Symptoms: Initial symptoms include fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, LCM can lead to neurological diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Prevention: Ensuring proper sanitation and controlling rodent populations are vital preventative steps. Professional pest control services can offer effective rodent management solutions.
Contact West Termites & Pest Today
Rodents pose significant health risks due to the variety of diseases they can transmit. Ensuring a rodent-free home is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. At West Termites & Pest, we understand the importance of protecting your home and family from these health hazards. Our expert team provides comprehensive pest control, termite control, and lawn care & treatment services across Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Take advantage of our free consultation to assess your home for potential pest issues and let us help you implement effective solutions to keep your home safe. Contact West Termites & Pest today for a thorough and professional service tailored to your needs. Your health and safety are our top priorities!
Call your local West Termite location or fill out the form
on our contact page to schedule your inspection today!
More posts from West Termite, Pest & Lawn
Pests That Can Reside in Your Walls
The walls of your home can serve as a hidden sanctuary for pests seeking warmth, food, and shelter. From termites that silently cause structural damage to rodents that bring disease, understanding the types of pests that can invade your walls is crucial for protecting...
Overwintering Pests to Watch Out For
As temperatures drop, many pests begin searching for warm, sheltered places to survive the winter. These overwintering pests can make their way into your home, becoming a nuisance and, in some cases, a health hazard. Some of the most common overwintering pests to...
The Hidden Dangers of DIY Pest Control: When to Call a Professional
Many homeowners are tempted to tackle pest problems themselves, believing that DIY methods will save time and money. However, DIY pest control comes with hidden dangers that can lead to bigger problems down the road. Attempting to handle pests without proper knowledge...