Rodent Diseases

What Diseases Do Rodents Spread?

Rodents, especially mice and rats, are some of the filthiest home-invading pests. They host several parasites, including ticks and fleas, and spread over 35 illnesses. The following are the most common rodent diseases:

• Hantavirus – Spread via the inhalation of waste particles, hantavirus affects the respiratory system. Symptoms include fever and dizziness.
• Salmonellosis – A type of food poisoning, this rodent disease causes diarrhea and stomach pain.
• Rat-Bite Fever – This ailment causes rashes, headaches, and vomiting.
• Plague – Fleas in an infected rodent’s fur may carry plague. Though it can be fatal, treatments are available.

Do Rodents Carry Rabies?

If not properly treated, the rabies virus can be deadly. Though any mammal can be rabid, rats and mice rarely spread the disease. Larger rodents, like squirrels and groundhogs, are more common rabies carriers.

Control

Rodent diseases can spread through contact with waste or the pests themselves. As such, residents should never attempt to clean up nests. Always use proper safety gear when ridding homes of rodent feces and urine.

Face masks and gloves help prevent the spread of disease, but homeowners may still be at risk when dealing with an infestation. Contacting the experts at Critter Control at the first sign of rodents is the best course of action.