The annoying thing about rodent infestations is that, even when you get rid of them, the mess that they leave behind stays. This can be very harmful to people’s health because rodents urinate and leave their feces everywhere they go, and by doing so, spread dangerous viruses and bacteria. Rodent infestations are a common problem in the city of Pickering, where wildlife control services are required very frequently. When the rodents are removed, you have to disinfect your whole house because you never know the full extent of the damage. The rodents climb on furniture, over kitchen counters, cups, and plates all the while scattering bacteria and contaminating the surfaces. They can carry the deadly hantavirus, bubonic plague and other kinds of very harmful diseases which is why you need to be very careful when you notice rodent droppings inside your home. Continue reading to know more about some of the diseases rodents carry and how to clean up after them.
The Dangers of Hantavirus and How it’s Spread
This is one of the most harmful diseases that a rodent can carry and often results in death. There are numerous cases reported in Canada where people became infected and died soon afterward. Hantavirus is carried via rodents’ droppings and humans can get infected through rats or mice, and especially through deer mice. They live in rural areas and have a greyish-brown fur with white-coloured bellies. The scary part is that sometimes you can become sick just by being exposed to their feces and inhaling the contaminated air. You’ll notice symptoms similar to those of flu, and if your immune system is weakened, the exposure to hantavirus can have a fatal outcome.
Bubonic Plague and Salmonellosis
Bubonic plague is commonly known as the black death and can be spread by touching or being exposed to infected rodents and their feces. The symptoms include headaches, vomiting, fever as well as swollen lymph nodes. Salmonellosis is similar to food poisoning and you can catch it through contaminated food or water. Mice feces can carry salmonellosis and spread it by walking over your kitchen counters and food that’s left out on the plates. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Rat-Bite Fever and Lyme Disease
Rat-bite fever can be transmitted through contaminated food, similar to salmonellosis. With this disease, the bacteria is spread through the rodents’ urine and mucous secretions. Also, holding an infected rat or mouse in your hand or being bitten poses a risk of becoming infected with this serious illness. You’ll notice symptoms like headaches, vomiting, and muscle pain. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, an inflammatory illness that rodents and other wildlife like raccoons, chipmunks or deer can carry. Aside from flu-like symptoms, you can notice a skin rash that is a typical sign of Lyme disease. If treated early on with antibiotics, neurological problems like paralysis can be avoided.
For a Thorough Clean-Up, Call Skedaddle
Now that you are familiar with all the dangers of rodents and the illnesses they can carry, the safest option is to leave the job of removing them to trained professionals from Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. We are experienced and highly trained to clean and sanitize all areas after a rodent infestation, and include all the safety measures to avoid getting infected. We will use powerful trade vacuums and advanced breathing equipment in the process of returning the infected area to a healthy and clean state. If you’re from Pickering and need professional wildlife control services, Skedaddle will help assess, remove and clean the contaminated area in no time, so get in touch with Skedaddle today and ensure the health and safety of your home and family.
