The threat of mice and rats are common regardless of your home being in a rural or urban area. In most cases, these pests may have even entered your home without you knowing, which exposes your family to the vast array of diseases these creatures bring.
With the ability to transmit pathogens to humans as well as household pets, rodent invasions are not to be taken lightly, especially when the health and well-being of your loved ones are at stake. By equipping yourself with knowledge of their harmful effects, effective measures can be taken to prevent the exposure to rodent-transmitted diseases.
Here is some helpful information you need to know to protect your family and home.
How do you identify rodent invasions?
While it’s always better to catch the rats and mice before their populations grow into larger infestations, how do you know if you have a problem? The following are some signs to look out for:
- Small chew marks
- Rat excretions (E.g., droppings and urine)
- Rodent footprints or tracks
- Heightened allergies that are not caused by seasonal changes
- Scampering, scratching or gnawing noises
- Holes on walls or cabinets or other materials
- Rotting odour (Possibly due to dead rats)
Diseases sourced from rodent infestations
In addition to transmitting pathogens directly through fresh or dried droppings, urine, as well as saliva, rodents are able to indirectly transmit pathogens through the spread of ticks and fleas. Mice are causes for major concern and require any contact or exposure to be treated immediately as untreated conditions may lead to fatal outcomes. The following are examples of diseases carried by common rodents:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Severe and sometimes fatal, this viral respiratory disease is spread directly through the bacteria from faeces and urine of mice and rats.
- As a result of direct transmission from the excretion of rodents that contaminates consumed food or water, this bacterial disease can cause kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, and even death.
- Tick-related diseases can affect both humans and household pets, leading to fatal illnesses such as Babesiosis, Colorado tick fever (CTF), Lyme disease, Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and Tularemia.
Guard against diseases carried by mice and rats
Here are some safety measures when using rodent pest control methods as recommended by Victoria State Government.
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to reduce the potential for dermal, inhalation, eye, and oral exposure. Avoid splashing, spilling, and leaks that could contaminate
- Follow label directions carefully. Ensure that the pesticides are applied in accordance with the directions.
- Notify household and building occupants on areas of bait placements, pesticide use.
- Do not eat, chew, drink or smoke when handling the pesticides. Ensure your hands are toughly cleaned and devoid of pesticide residue prior to eating.
- After use, store the pesticides safely out of the reach of children.
- Make sure to note areas of bait placements.
- Do not allow children, pets or livestock in the vicinity of the bait.
- Place baits in locations that can be easily retrieved after a period. If rodents die and decay in hard-to-reach places, they may cause foul odours and the release of harmful bacteria. As such, make sure to also inspect bait stations regularly.
Contact your local experts on rat control in Melbourne for effective results. Once you have removed the rodents, ensure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home. This includes keeping your countertops, cabinets, stoves, refrigerators and shelves free of stray pieces of food so as to not invite more pests in the future. Bear in mind to wear a mask and gloves when disposing of any potentially contaminated food. Avoid stirring up dust from faeces, urine or rodent nests as Hantaviruses remain infectious for several days.
The presence of rats and mice in your home are health hazards to your family and yourself. If you’re looking for a professional rat exterminator in Melbourne, Positive Pest Solutions is the expert of choice when it comes to rodent control in Melbourne.
With up-to-date knowledge of the industry and competitive prices, we have the expertise and level of service ready to solve all your pest related problems with ease. Get in touch with our friendly and reliable team to find out more about how we can help you today!
