You likely already know that rats are a nuisance, but they can cause more damage than chewed wires or a compromised pantry. The risks of rats in your home can also include diseases that may transmit to you or members of your household. Understand these diseases and how they’re transmitted, and rest assured that Urban Jungle can help address your home’s rat problem.
Common Diseases Carried by Rats
Although the list of diseases carried by rodents is comprehensive, some rat-related conditions are more common than others. Not all rat-borne diseases are the result of direct transmission. Some diseases, like The Bubonic Plague, result from indirect transmission and rats are simply carriers. Common diseases caused by exposure to rat urine, feces or contact with an infected rodent include:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): Rodents spread this severe respiratory disease, which can be deadly.
- Rat bite fever (RBF): People who have frequent contact with rodents are particularly at risk of developing RBF.
- Leptospirosis: Humans can be infected by coming into contact with or drinking infected water.
- Salmonellosis: This disease is caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with rat feces and salmonella bacteria.
Can Rats Give Diseases to Humans?
Rats can transmit diseases to humans in several ways. Simply coming into contact with rodent droppings or nesting material can be hazardous, which is why it is always advisable to call the professionals at Urban Jungle as soon you notice any rat activity.
The table below lists the ways that humans can get sick from rats.
| Method of exposure | Ways that rat-borne pathogens can be transmitted to humans |
|---|---|
| Excrement | Direct contact with rat urine, feces or saliva is a common cause of disease and allergic reactions. |
| Direct contact | Touching rats that are carrying diseases can lead to transmission. |
| Biting or scratching | Harmful pathogens can be carried directly into your bloodstream. |
| Inhalation | Breathing in dust particles contaminated by rodent excrement could be harmful. |
| Consuming | Eating food that has been contaminated by rodent activity can transmit pathogens. |
| Indirect contact | Rats carry ectoparasites like fleas, which can be disease carriers. |
Can You Get Sick From Rats in Your House?
There are multiple ways that rats in your home can make you or your family sick. Symptoms could range from mild allergy triggers caused by airborne dander or excrement to potentially life-threatening conditions like HPS. Living with rats is never healthy. Since rodents are incredibly resilient and adaptable, eliminating them from your home can be extremely challenging. The wildlife experts from Urban Jungle have years of experience and will quickly find lasting solutions to your rat problem.
Contact Urban Jungle Today to Protect Yourself From Rat-Borne Diseases
Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal has everything required to manage complete rat extermination, exclusion and cleanup services at your home or business. Remove rodents from your home or business and protect those around you from diseases carried by rats — contact us today!