Rats and mice are a common problem in the Pacific Northwest. In the warmer months they seek shelter in homes and buildings to create nests for their young. In the colder months, your home and buildings become their shelter from the elements. There is really no time of year when they are not a potential problem.
The problem with rodents like mice and rats is that they are not only responsible for damage to your property, but they also spread disease. When accumulated, the feces spread bacteria, contaminate food, and often trigger allergic reactions in people.
What Diseases are Caused by Rats and Mice?
You may have heard of Bubonic Plague, also known as the “Black Death”. In the 14th century it swept through Europe, Africa and Asia killing an estimated 50 million people. The disease was spread by mice and rats carrying infected fleas. Although we haven’t experienced that level of outbreak again, the disease is by no means exterminated. It resurfaces every year in different countries including the United States.
Hantavirus is most often transmitted through the dropping of the Deer Mouse. Transmission of the disease occurs by inhaling urine, droppings or saliva. This frequently happens when people are cleaning out a garage, shed or cabin where the mice have taken up residence.
Salmonellosis is caused by eating food that has been contaminated by rodents. Symptoms are similar to the stomach flu and usually last 4 to 7 days.
As you can probably guess by the name, Rat-bite Fever is contracted from the bite of a rat or other rodents. It can also be transmitted to other animals including your pets. Symptoms will begin 3-10 days after being bitten and include rash, joint pain, headache, fever, and vomiting.
Call a Professional Exterminator
To help keep your home and business free of rats, mice, and other rodents, call a professional exterminator at AAA Pest Control. We are licensed and insured. Don’t take chances.
If rats and mice are bugging you – please Bug Us to put an end to your pest-related problems.