Rodents seek shelter from the outside elements and find their way into an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. every year. Mice and rats will often enter through small cracks and crevices in the weak spots of your home. However, the real concern is that these pests can spread diseases and cause serious property damage once inside.
How They Make You Sick
Feces from mice and rats can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergic reactions. Once the fecal matter becomes dry, it can be hazardous to those who breathe it in. In this way, rodents can spread diseases such as:
- Hantavirus – This virus is usually spread through the inhalation of infected feces. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems.
- Salmonellosis – This type of food poisoning is spread by rodent feces, especially from eating contaminated food. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
- Rat-Bite Fever – A potentially fatal disease that is spread by infected rodents or eating food contaminated by rodents. Symptoms usually occur 3-10 days after exposure and include fever, vomiting, headaches, rash and muscle pain.
How They Make Your Home –Sick
Other than health risks, rodents can cause significant damage to your home. They can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood, and even electrical wiring. In fact, rodents cause up to 25 percent of house fires in the U.S. every year. These pests will also destroy the insulation in your attic causing your monthly utility bills to rise.
Rodents have rapid reproduction rates allowing them to go from being unnoticed to a full-blown infestation. When your home is infested with rats or mice, rely on the professionals at Knockout Pest Control to manage the infestation for you. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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