When rodents come to mind, we often think about rats. Actually, the term “rodent” is only an umbrella term for other species apart from rats. It also includes mice, squirrels, gophers, porcupines, beavers, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Did you know that these creatures are the largest of all mammals? 41% of the mammal species consist of rodents. They are literally found everywhere except in Antarctica because of the cold weather.
Rodents are winter pests - not because of their resistance to cold but because of their low chance of survival from the cold weather. Do you ever wonder why rats infest homes during the cold season? This is because of their need for warmth, shelter, and food. All rats need are to have a stable house to fend for themselves and their families. They are social creatures too. Did you know that they live in a community where they care for their comrades? They tend to the injured and sick. They work with each other to contend the needs of their fellow rats.
Interesting Facts About Rats
Just like human beings, rats have the ability to feel happiness and sadness. When they are alone, experts say that experience depression. When they play, they can laugh with one another. So, what is the big deal of these creatures infesting our home? Despite their extraordinary traits, they are known as the most destructive home pest of all time.
Did you know that rats are responsible for many cases of house fires in the United States? Rats target electrical wirings and appliances. They chew on insulators, enough to cause a short circuit. Or worse, house fires. Plus, they cause millions of worth of damage to properties and belongings. They target clothes, stored food, wooden furniture, and others. Did you know that a rat’s teeth never stop growing? This explains their need to chew all day and all night. They can eat literally everything including lead and aluminum. For this reason, it is almost impossible to keep rats out. Once they get attracted, they will do their best to get in.
Rats are very cunning creatures. They have a very good memory and outstanding navigational skills. When a rat first enters an establishment, it will know the nooks and crannies eventually. It will know where to hide. It will know where to hide. And it will know the behavioral pattern of those who dwell in the establishment. This is one of the reasons why they are almost impossible to detect in small infestations. We can only see a rat infestation when it already gets worse. You will start to see rat droppings and urine puddles. There will be an unending scratching and gnawing at night. Plus, it is accompanied by a foul smell from the accumulations of rat feces and urine.
Diseases From Rats
Apart from the physical damages they cause to structures, they also cause illnesses to human beings. Here are some of the most common illnesses caused by rats.
Hantavirus
The Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)first affected human beings in 1993 in the four corners of the United States. But to this day, Hantavirus is only common in the Western United States. This disease is often transmitted from rats and mice. Hantavirus is transmitted to human beings when an infected rodent's urine or droppings gets mixed up with the air and breathed in. People should be warned. This disease should not be taken for granted. The virus is very life-threatening. Up to this day, there is no known cure for this disease. So, it’s best to prevent the occurrence of rats indoors. The primary symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle pain. It may also include diarrhea and vomiting.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
One of the most lethal diseases brought by rats is called the Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM. It is a rodent-borne disease caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Human beings are affected by the virus through exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents. The spread of Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is more common in the colder months because many rats aim to infest homes to outlive the season. The virus can be introduced to the immune system through open wounds and open skin, including the nose, the eyes, and the mouth. The disease can also be transmitted through the bite of an infected rat.
Salmonellosis
Thirdly, one of the most common diseases from rats is known as Salmonellosis caused by the Salmonella bacterium. The bacterium usually enters the human body through the ingestion of food and water contaminated by rodent feces, urine, and saliva. The preliminary symptoms of Salmonellosis include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Did you know that the common illness Typhoid is a stronger strain formed from the same bacteria? This is the reason why both illnesses have the same symptoms. The difference is, Typhoid has a more intense effect on the human body. It is characterized by the spread of infection from the intestines to the lymphatic system. Typhoid fever is common in developing countries. It affects more than 27 million people a year.
Bubonic Plague
The next disease is the Bubonic Plague. It is known for killing millions of people in Europe alone in the years 1347 to 1351. The disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia Pestis. This bacterium is transmitted through the bite of fleas. If an infected rat dies, fleas are compelled to look for alternative sources of blood. This includes humans and pets like dogs and cats. The initial symptoms include fever, headaches, and painful nodes.
The Bubonic Plague can also be transmitted by getting in contact with rodent-contaminated particles. If you observe the aforementioned symptoms including the following: Loose Bowel Movement, Fatigue, and Body Pains. The sickness can be treated with over-the-counter antibiotics. However, if left ignored, it can lead to more severe symptoms, even death. If you observe the symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. It may seem like the common flu in the beginning. But you never know if you do not consult the experts.
Tularemia
Another sickness brought by rodents is called Tularemia, also known as the deer fly fever. This is common in specific states in the US, except in Hawaii. This disease is caused by microorganism Frencisellatularensis.This bacterium has the capability to enter your body through the eye and open wounds. Tularemia is incredibly infectious. Although it can be treated by antibiotics, it is best to avoid the occurrence of the disease.
Rat-Bite Fever
This disease is caused by the Spirillum minus and rod bacterium. If a rat is infected by these bacteria, it causes Rat-Bite Fever when it bites or scratches humans. It can also be acquired by accidentally ingesting food contaminated with rat droppings and urine. The initial symptoms of the illness include the swelling of the inner organs that may result in brain, heart, and respiratory organ infection. The condition can also induce skin rashes, fever and muscle pain. Rats account to many deaths.
Their existence in houses must not be taken for granted. If you have children at home, it is best to keep rats away as much as possible. You know how curious our children can be. They might accidentally ingest bacteria from infected rats. Plus, they are very active in scouring our house for toys. They put things in their mouth without knowing the diseases they might be acquiring. One of the main reasons for a rat infestation is irresponsible housekeeping. To prevent rats from making a way into your home, it’s best to keep it neat and tidy. As much as possible, clean as you go. Organize your things and avoid clutters. The crumbs and clutters are very good attractants to rats. Responsible housekeeping might not eliminate the rats inside your house. But it prevents more from coming in.
Look For The Best Pest Control Service
As non-experts, it is important to look for a pest control provider who can take care of our problems. Luckily, if you are looking for a pest exterminator near Huntersville, NC, Lake Norman Home Services is at your service. Providing high-quality plans for over 50 years, the experts at lake Norman pest control have been dedicating themselves to safety, excellence, and satisfaction. All of the customers in North Carolina have been left satisfied and happy with their work.
At Lake Norman Home Services, our experts pride themselves in using proven and tested methods for pest control safe for humans, pets, and plants. See you do not have to worry about a thing about the chemicals. At Lake Norman Home Services, they offer a basic service plan that covers the entire home, from the ceilings to the attic, to the basement, even outdoors. You can kill multiple insects at once with their highly-effective measures. At Lake Norman Home Services, the experts care about your concerns and make it their business to take care of it. Even if you have budget constraints, the services are designed to adjust to the needs of the clients.