Most homeowners want nothing to do with rats so when one is spotted in the home, wildlife removal services are contacted immediately. Not only will rats eat your food and chew up items in your home, they can also carry diseases including rat bite fever. Rat removal from your home is essential to your family not catching this infectious disease.
What is Rat Bite Fever?
An infectious disease, rat bite fever is carried by rats and caused by two different bacteria. The first is Streptobacillary RBF which is found in North America while the second, spirillary RBF occurs in Asia. People can be infected by rodents due to contaminated water or food which leaves to serious health issues and even death.
How is Rat Bite Fever Transmitted?
RBF is transmitted via the rat in a number of ways. If you are bitten or scratched by an infected rodent, then you may be infected. If you handle a rodent with the disease or consume any water or food that was contaminated by the bacteria, then you may be infected by the disease. You cannot spread the disease from one person to another.
Signs and Symptoms of RBF
The most common form of RBF found in Canada is Streptobacillary RBF. With this disease, you will feel the following symptoms if infected:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Muscle Pain
- Rash
- Joint Pain
After you have been exposed to an infected rat, you will begin to see symptoms anywhere from three to ten days. However, symptoms can be delayed for as much as three weeks. Once a fever takes place, a rash will develop on the hands and feet. The rash can be identified by the small bumps on hands or feet with flat and red areas.
Rat Removal
When you spot such creatures in the home, you will need to get rid of rats quickly. You will be unable to tell if the rats are infected with RBF and you do not want to risk being infected. With wildlife removal services in place, the rats can be removed from the home and relocated to somewhere that will keep them away from humans.
The removal process begins by a technician arriving at your home and providing an assessment of the home. Once the issue has been discovered, the technician will create a plan to remove the rats from the home. The removal process includes humane methods such as one-way doors that allow rats to exit for food but prevent their re-entry. Once removed, the technician will provide preventative maintenance so that rats cannot enter the property again in the future. Such preventative measures will include blocking off entry and exit points.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in rat removal as well as other wildlife needs. We can help you solve your rat problem and see your home clean and clear of them for good. Give our office a call when you recognize rats living in your home so you can avoid any unwanted diseases or further issues in the home.