Rodents are potentially dangerous pests that can carry a number of diseases and pass them on to humans, including salmonella, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), and leptospirosis. They also cause structural damage by chewing on wires or leaving droppings in humidifiers used for moisture control in homes during cold weather. Once your house is infested with rodents, you might then have to seek professional pest control Austin services for the problem to be taken care of.
Here are the top dangers of having rodents in your home.
- Fire hazard
Rodents living inside your home can cause a fire hazard with their gnawing and burrowing habits. Mice and rats chew on wires, creating short circuits and sparks. They can also chew on wood or plastic that could catch fire, leading to a fire in your house. So, it is best to have professional and trusted rat exterminators who can evaluate the situation and offer you solutions.
- Health hazard
Rodents are associated with a number of diseases that are transmitted to humans through bites or infected urine or droppings found in food and water supplies. Some of these diseases are transmitted through their bites, while others can be caught from their urine or droppings. The list of diseases that can be spread through rodents includes the following:
- Leptospirosis – usually transmitted through contact with rodent droppings
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) – usually transmitted via rodent urine or droppings
- Salmonellosis – usually transmitted by contaminated food and water
- Food contamination
Rats are known to contaminate food with their urine or droppings, making them a potential source of food poisoning. It is best to clean the container or whatever the rodent has been through thoroughly before storing in it to prevent food contamination. So, if you think you may have rodents in your home, do not eat any food that has come into contact with their urine or droppings until you have thoroughly cleaned out the container.
- Structural damage
Rodents can damage even the most expensive appliances by gnawing on wires or chewing holes in electrical boxes. The walls of your home might also be damaged by gnawing rodents, which can lead to structural damage. You should have pest control professionals come out to your house and inspect it for any damage. If they find any, they can then offer you appropriate solutions.