Rats have brought some of the worst outbreaks in recorded history. In fact, the two worst pandemics, namely “The Black Death” and “The Third Plague”, are blamed for possibly hundreds of millions of deaths. But that’s just one example of a disease from rodents that has plagued us for millennia.
As carriers of contagious afflictions, we should know what these illnesses are and how to prevent them.
How do you catch diseases from rats?
Now that we’ve established that rats are disease carriers, let’s discuss how they transmit these complications to humans.
These are the different ways rats can infect us with potentially life-threatening pathogens:
- Biting
- Scratching
- Excrement
- Inhalation
- Handling
- Consuming
- Second-hand contact
In addition to these modes of transmission, rodents can host fleas, ticks, mites, and other insects and ectoparasites. These organisms carry different pathogens they can pass onto the host body and transfer to you via the aforementioned methods.
If there are signs of a rat infestation on your property, be mindful of these transmission modes.
Protect yourself and your family by contacting your local pest control services right away.
What is the best way to avoid getting diseases from rodents?
There is no single solution to protecting yourself from rats and the different maladies that they can carry. It’s a multi-step and ongoing effort that starts with the following home solutions:
- Only use thick plastic and metal containers with tight lids to store food.
- Clean spilled food immediately.
- Don’t let the dishes and cooking utensils pile up. Wash them immediately after use.
- Use metal containers or thick plastics with tight lids to keep garbage. Throw away, empty, and clean your garbage containers regularly.
- Look for pencil-sized gaps or holes in and around your home. Seal them immediately using caulk or a silicone sealant.
- Get rid of old tires, cars, and a stockpile of rubbish around your home. They can serve as breeding grounds for rats and mice.
Desperate times can call for desperate measures. If these DIY tips no longer work and rodents have already nested on your property, your only option is to remove them. We strongly advise against doing this yourself due to safety reasons.
For your safety, contact a reputable professional pest control service to remove rodents from your property.
Conclusion
The effects of a disease from rodents can range from staying sick for a few days to life-threatening. Even if you’re careful, coming into close contact with rodents can prove fatal.
The best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, employees, and tenants is to call us today.
For rodent infestation inspections, quarterly services, treatments, and removals, Unitech Pest and our team are equipped to help with your rodent control measures. With us, you can feel confident that your property is rodent-free and your family is safe from diseases from rodents.