If you own a home or business, the last thing you want to deal with is a rodent problem. Not only do rats and mice cause a mess in your property, they can also spread dangerous diseases and contaminate food. These diseases are most commonly spread through their droppings, but can also be transmitted indirectly through fleas and mice. It’s important to understand the dangers of rodents in order to protect you and your family. Keep reading for expert info from the exterminators at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest.
What Diseases Are Spread by Mice?
Several of the world’s most infamous diseases have been tied back to rats and mice. We now know the bubonic plague was transmitted by fleas, but rats and mice carried the fleas and contributed to the outbreak. Today, some of these diseases are still a threat, including:
- Hantavirus
- Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains. In serious cases, it can lead to kidney failure or worse.
- Salmonella
- The bacteria spread by rats and mice can track onto food. The most infamous bacteria is of course salmonella, known as food poisoning.
- Lyme Disease
- This is of course transmitted by ticks, which are often carried by rats and mice. This disease is dangerous and can have long-term effects on health.
Types of Rodent Damage
One of the reasons why rodent problems are feared is because of the property damage they can create. Rats have incisors that never stop growing, which encourages them to chew constantly. They often chew on cords and wires, which can short circuit and cause a fire hazard. Mice and rats alike will tear through a number of materials to create nests, leaving behind a mess every time. Rats have also been known to cut through extremely tough materials like steel, concrete, and wood, which can cause structural damage to your home or business.
Trustworthy Rodent Exterminators
To avoid dealing with the many dangers of rodents, it’s best to team up with a professional rodent exterminator. DIY rodent control is simply not an option due to how dangerous these pests can be. In addition to providing effective, quick mice extermination, the team at Western Exterminator, formerly Pratt Pest can protect you from future rodent infestations as well.
In the state of Washington, cockroaches are a common pest problem throughout the year. The German cockroach is the number one culprit behind most roach problems. These roaches are infamous for breeding at rapid rates and for spreading filth and disease wherever they go. German cockroaches infest homes, apartments, schools, restaurants, hotels, and more, making them a big threat to any property owner.