Rats and humans have had an uneasy coexistence for centuries, and for good reason. Beyond the scratches on the floorboards and the chewed-through wires, rats pose a very real risk to your health. 

Can rats bring disease into your home? 

The answer is a resounding yes. These small invaders carry dangerous illnesses that can spread to humans, putting your family and pets at risk. 

Diseases rats carry can be transmitted directly through bites, scratches, and contact with rodent droppings, or indirectly, through fleas and ticks they bring with them. It’s not just about nuisance noises or the occasional chewed cereal box—rats can be a major health hazard.

If you’re in Grove City, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help. We specialize in removing these pests safely and humanely. 

With our one-way door system, we make sure rats can leave your home but won’t be able to come back. This ensures your home stays safe while giving you peace of mind. But why is it such a pressing matter to act? Let’s explore the health risks of rats and all the diseases they can carry.

How Do Rats Spread Diseases?

Rats are more than an annoyance. They are notorious carriers of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Diseases rats carry can spread in several ways:

• Through Direct Contact: Handling rats or touching areas contaminated by their urine, droppings, or saliva can make you sick.
• Airborne Particles: Disturbed nests or droppings can release particles into the air that carry diseases.
• Bites and Scratches: Though uncommon, rat bites can spread serious illnesses, including rat-bite fever.
• Vectors like Fleas and Ticks: These parasites feast on infected rats and then move on to humans or pets, spreading illnesses like the plague or typhus.

Because rats are scavengers, their exposure to garbage, sewage, and other contaminated materials makes them especially dangerous. When they enter your home, they bring those risks directly to you.

Common Rat-Borne Illnesses

Rats are known to carry many harmful diseases, some of which can create severe health complications. Here are some common diseases rats carry and their associated risks:

Hantavirus

This potentially fatal viral illness is transmitted by inhaling particles from infected rat droppings, urine, or saliva. While more common in rural areas, hantavirus cases have been reported in cities and suburbs, including around Grove City. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, but the condition can escalate quickly, leading to difficulty breathing and even death.

Leptospirosis

This bacterial infection spreads through contact with contaminated water, urine, or soil. It can cause symptoms ranging from fever and chills to liver or kidney failure in severe cases. Leptospirosis is particularly concerning in areas where rats are frequent visitors near homes or water sources.

Rat-Bite Fever

Spread through bites, scratches, or even contact with a dead rat, rat-bite fever manifests as high fever, muscle aches, and a visible rash. Without treatment, complications could include inflammation in the brain or heart.

Salmonellosis

Rats can spread the bacteria responsible for salmonellosis through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting—problems that can quickly turn dangerous if left untreated.

Plague

Though associated with the Middle Ages, modern cases of the plague still occur, often due to bites from fleas carried by rats. Quick medical attention is crucial to stop its potentially fatal effects.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)

This viral disease, spread through rat urine or droppings, can cause flu-like symptoms in mild cases or neurological issues like meningitis in severe infections. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as infection can lead to complications such as congenital disabilities.

With so many illnesses tied to rats, it’s clear why rat infestations must be taken seriously.

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Recognizing the signs of a rat problem early can prevent the spread of disease and protect your home. Common indicators include:

• Droppings: Dark, pellet-shaped droppings around food sources or in hidden areas like cabinets.
• Gnaw marks: Rats chew anything to keep their teeth short, so look for bite marks on furniture, food containers, or wiring.
• Noises: Scurrying sounds in the walls or attic may mean rats are nesting nearby.
• Smell: A strong, musty odor is often a sign of a rat infestation.
• Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation may indicate rats are nesting in your home.

If any of these signs are present, don’t wait to act. Contacting our professionals ensures the issue is handled safely and effectively.

Why DIY Rat Removal Is Risky

It might be tempting to tackle a rat problem yourself, but DIY methods often fall short of solving the issue completely. More importantly, they expose you and your family to unnecessary risks. 

Handling traps or baits incorrectly can spread diseases rats carry through contact with droppings or carcasses. Worse, DIY methods rarely prevent rats from returning, leaving your home vulnerable to repeated infestations.

We offer a better solution for residents in Grove City. Our expert team uses one-way doors to allow rats to exit your home safely, without letting them back inside. We also seal potential entry points to prevent future invasions, keeping your home rat-free for the long term.

Protecting Your Home from Rats

The best way to avoid rat-borne illnesses is to keep these pests out altogether. Preventative measures include:

• Sealing Entry Points: Look for small gaps or cracks in your walls, foundation, or roof and seal them securely.
• Eliminating Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food or crumbs out overnight.
• Reducing Clutter: Cluttered areas like basements or attics provide ideal nesting spaces for rats.
• Maintaining Proper Hygiene: Regularly clean areas where food is prepared or consumed to eliminate potential attractants.

Even with these precautions, rats can still find a way in. That’s where we come in. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to protect your home while treating wildlife humanely.

The Skedaddle Difference

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Grove City, we take rat removal seriously. Our process focuses on safety, efficiency, and compassion. When you call us, here’s what you can expect:

• Thorough Inspection: Our team will assess your home to identify signs of infestation and locate potential entry points.
• One-Way Doors: This innovative method allows rats to leave your house but not return, effectively removing them without causing harm.
• Sealing Entry Points: We seal all gaps and holes to ensure your home stays rat-free.
• Clean-Up and Sanitization: Rat droppings and nests can harbor bacteria, so we clean and sanitize affected areas to make your home safe again.

By choosing us, you’re investing in a rat-free home and peace of mind.

Say Goodbye to Health Risks—Take Action Today!

Diseases rats carry pose a significant threat to your health and safety, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you’ve noticed signs of rats in your home, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Grove City is ready to help you reclaim your space and protect your loved ones.

With our professional expertise and humane removal methods, we’ll ensure your home remains safe and secure. Request an estimate today and take the first step toward a healthier, rat-free home.