Pests in your home, office, or restaurant can be a huge nuisance as well as a health risk. Rats, in particular, carry zoonoses, or diseases passed to humans via droppings and urine, that can infect your household, staff, or customers. Below is a list of health reasons to invest in rodent control at the first sign of rats on your property.

4 Health Concerns Posed by Rodents

1. Rat Lungworm

Rats in Hawaii and certain southeastern coastal states, like Florida, can carry parasitic worms, which are transmitted from rat droppings to slugs, snails, and other mollusks. Consuming lungworms can make humans sick. Symptoms can range from fever and vomiting to meningitis, comas, and even death, so treatment should be sought quickly. 

2. Rat Bite Fever

Streptobacillus is a bacteria humans can contract from rats and mice. When bitten or scratched by a rodent, people may exhibit signs of a condition known as Rat Bite Fever (RBF), which can be deadly without medical attention. RBF has also been seen in those who have ingested food or drinks contaminated by rodents.

3. Weil’s Disease

Rodents can also transfer the bacteria Leptospira, which cause Weil's Disease, also known as leptospirosis, in humans. Infection occurs when a person contacts water, soil, or foods with traces of urine from a carrier rodent. Small cuts in your skin can also provide an entry point for the bacteria to enter your bloodstream. While some infected people exhibit no symptoms at all, the bacteria can cause serious conditions, such as kidney failure and liver damage.

4. Salmonellosis

While you may associate the Salmonella bacteria with uncooked or spoiled foods, it can also be found in rodent feces. Drinks, food, and utensils close to these droppings can spread Salmonellosis, and people who touch droppings are at risk for infection. While the illness is generally not severe, it does pose a fatal risk to vulnerable populations, including seniors and young children. Typical symptoms are dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The best way to avoid these health-related concerns is to schedule rodent control as soon as a rat or mouse is spotted on your property. With over 65 years of experience providing organic pest control services in Wailuku, HI, Dick’s Fumigation Services understands the psychological toll pests have on home and business-owners. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, termites, ants, bedbugs, or fleas and ticks, they have the skills and tools to get rid of these uninvited guests quickly and efficiently. To schedule rodent control today, call (808) 244-7496. To learn more about their tent fumigation and treatments, visit them online.