Rats can be extremely annoying.

They rage food storage leading to food waste, leave disgusting droppings, and chew through your home’s construction, wiring, and insulation.

Rats are not only dangerous for homes, though. They also come with many dangers to health.

A pair of rats can reproduce up to 2,000 offspring in one year. This means that rat feces and urine can add up quickly, increasing the risk for infectious disease and allergies.

Read on to learn about the dangers of rats.

Infectious Disease

One of the largest dangers of rats is their ability to carry and spread infectious disease.

They transport both viral and bacterial ailments through direct contact or contamination of water, food, or dust.

Viral

Viral diseases of rats include the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, South American Arenaviruses, and Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM). These are all spread by breathing in infected dust, direct contact with rats or their droppings/urine, and rat bites.

The Lassa Fever virus is spread by these methods as well as from eating or drinking foods that have been contaminated by rat feces or urine.

Bacterial

Bacterial diseases are transmitted more easily through eating or drinking contaminated foods. The most common include Rat-Bite fever and Salmonellosis.

One bacteria in particular, Leptospirosis, can also infect humans through the skin or mucous membranes.

This is known as osmosis. The bacteria from infected water or soil spreads into the body from absorption.

Parasites

The dangers of rats don’t stop at the rat themselves.

Rats often carry parasites that come with their own set of diseases.

Infected ticks can spread Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever to bitten humans.

Remember the Bubonic Plague (A.K.A black plague) that killed half of Europe in the 1300’s? Well, it too is spread by infected fleas carried by rats.

Allergies

Disease is one thing to worry about. Allergies and their many consequences are another.

Rats are a nightmare for people who have allergies. Many people are allergic to rat droppings.

Even for those who are not, studies show that rat and mouse urine can significantly trigger allergies.

Rat allergens within homes also increase asthma symptoms and respiratory failure among children.

Home Safety

Harm to your home can ultimately mean dangers to you and your family.

It is estimated that 25% of house fires in the United States are the result of rat and mice chewings.

The best way to deter rats and rodents from your home is by closing off any entry points.

Then, make sure you are not providing food to any outside animals. This may mean taking down your bird feeders and ensuring your trash is covered with a secure lid.

If these methods do not work, then it is likely time for an expert exterminator.

Get Rid of the Dangers of Rats

If your home has become home to residents other than humans, it may already be infested with danger. Don’t take any chances on your family’s safety.

Get an inspection to estimate the damage and treatment needed.

We provide free inspections and top-rated solutions for your pest problems. Our results are guaranteed.

Schedule your appointment today start fighting for your safe home back.