Rat Allergies and House Safety

While wildlife should be appreciated and respected, it should also be kept at a distance from yourself and your property. Wild species are not domesticated and do not receive the same level of veterinary care that pets do, meaning that the animals might have viruses and bacteria that are dangerous to people. Rodents, especially, are prone to disease and can transport bacteria into and around homes, which is why homeowners are encouraged to contact wildlife control Kitchener if they suspect a rodent problem. Many people can misconstrue allergies within the home or around their property as seasonal, but while that is often the case, certain instances of allergic reactions can stem from rodents, particularly rats. The remainder of this blog will focus on common dwelling places of rats, how the animal can contribute to allergies and common symptoms of exposure to rats.

Rats Dwelling Spaces

While rats live in numerous locations, many depending on species, most colonizing rats that infest neighborhoods prefer high nests, like trees. There are other species that prefer to find homes in low and below ground locations, like sewers. When discussing where rats live inside a home, many species will prefer to nest in attic spaces and walls as opposed to basements or crawls. Rats that live above people, can unintentionally affect the health and allergies of humans, making it a necessity to remove the wildlife population.

Rats and Allergies

People can have allergic reactions to rats in several ways, including dander and droppings. The rodents do not need to come into direct contact with a person to cause an allergic reaction because their dander can travel on air currents through the home. It is important to take note of any sudden allergies that seem unseasonal because they can indicate a presence of unseen wildlife in the home or around the property.

Symptoms of Rat Allergies

Unfortunately, the symptoms of an allergic reaction to rats are similar to any other type of allergic reaction. For example, the sufferer can experience skin rashes, itching, coughing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and respiratory problems. A severe reaction might involve difficulty breathing. The challenge is determining if wildlife is causing your symptoms or if it is another environmental cause. For most allergy sufferers, they know what to expect out of seasonal or common allergies. If their experience is anything other than normal, consider inspecting the property for signs of rodents. You might also consider taking the affected person to a doctor for further review.

Rat Exclusion and Professional Assistance

If you have not seen evidence of rats but strongly suspect you have a problem, consider contacting a wildlife control professional. The technician will inspect the property to determine the extent of the infestation, if any, and provide you with their professional assessment. If they see evidence of rats in the home, they will determine the best course of action, typically including exclusion. Exclusion is the process of humanely removing the rats from your property. A technician places one-way exits over rat holes and then provides enough time for the rodents to leave the property. Once they exit your home, they cannot get back in. When the technician is convinced enough time has passed, they will seal all entry points and remove all exits. It is challenging to determine if allergies stem from normal seasonal issues or from wildlife in your home. If you believe that your problems are stemming from exposure to rat dander or something else, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. As respected wildlife control Kitchener professionals, they will send a technician out to assess your property and come up with a plan that works for you and your family while ensuring the safety of the wildlife.