How to Spot a Rat Infestation
Pack rats, field mice, and house mice usually congregate where there are food and water sources. If the food and water sources are located in shelter from harsh weather conditions, that’s even better. However, you may never see them because they’re nocturnal, hate bright lights, and are usually active from dusk to dawn. Seeing one of these rodents during the day can indicate a large infestation in your home.
You may not be able to see the rodents themselves, but they do present themselves in other ways. Signs that there may be a rodent problem can include:
- Rodent droppings around food packages that are located in drawers, cupboards, or under a sink
- Gnawed holes in food packaging, stored food, piled papers, or insulation
- Piles of shredded paper, insulation, fabric, or other soft materials could indicate a nest
- Chewed holes in walls and floors that the rodents use as entry points
When you see any of these signs, contacting a mouse and rat exterminator is important to start immediate rodent control to prevent the spread of disease and avoid further damage to structures.
Dangers of a Rodent & Rat Infestation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that not only can diseases be spread through rodent bite wounds, but diseases can also be spread by touching areas or eating food contaminated with rodent feces, urine, or saliva. In addition, even breathing air contaminated with rodent waste can cause illness and disease.
The most common diseases that are spread by rodents are Hantavirus, an infectious respiratory disease, and Salmonella, a bacterial infection that infects the urine, blood, bones, joints, and nervous system. In addition, the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) says that researchers have conducted studies on the link between exposure to rodents and increased asthma symptoms. Studies and research have found that exposure to rodents can trigger asthma attacks. In addition, pack rat nests are ideal breeding grounds for kissing bugs which are known carriers of the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Some people also can have severe allergic reactions to kissing bug bites.
Bill’s does not provide medical information or medical advice. Please see your medical provider for any questions about rodent-related illnesses.
