It is prudent that we practice proper pest management, live in an environment that is hygienic and minimize our exposure to pests and rodents that can endanger our lives. Pests and rodents can cause a host of diseases some of which are life-threatening.
Pests and rodents are disease carriers, and they transmit diseases of different kinds. You can not only get infections from bites, but also from exposing yourself to their excrement. It is essential that you understand which type and species of pests and rodents cause which disease to devise ways of preventing infection. The common illnesses caused by pests and rodents are:
Hantavirus
This is a disease that people contract when they breathe dust that has been contaminated with rodent urine or droppings. Secondly, coming into direct contact with the urine or droppings is also enough to transmit the diseases. Another less common method of transmission is through the wounds caused by the bites. The white-footed mouse, rice rat, cotton rat and deer mouse are common carriers of Hantavirus.
Rat Bite Fever
It is a disease caused by bacteria. A scratch wound or bite from the rodents are enough to spread the bacteria. A dead rodent is equally dangerous and is a source of the virus. When laced with rodent droppings through contamination, it can lead to severe infection.
When other animals such as cats and dogs are exposed to the rodents, they also become carriers and coming into contact with them can cause infection. When bitten by the rodents or the secondary carriers, dogs and cats, the wounded area should be washed and cleansed immediately.
Salmonella Poisoning
This is a disease caused by the bacteria salmonellosis. The disease is characterized by fever, running stomach, cramps and pain in the stomach. This disease is usually caused by ingesting food that has been contaminated by rodent feces. Drinking contaminated water can also result in salmonella poisoning.
Plague
This is a disease caused by a bacteria that is spread and transmitted by rodents. The common rodents that transmit plague are wild rodents, wood rats, prairie dogs, squirrels, and chipmunks. These rodents are usually bitten by fleas which in turn bite human beings hence exposing the disease-causing organisms. When you come into direct contact with an animal that is infected will result in you getting the disease.
Rabies
Humans can get rabies if they are either bitten by the bats or come into contact with the droplets of its saliva. Unfortunately, bites from the bat are difficult to pinpoint since they leave no marks. Rabies in bats is dangerous and can be life-threatening to human beings if not treated fast. Coming into contact with the bats should be avoided by eliminating them fast as soon as they show up at home. However, never attempt to touch the bats.
Finally, whenever a homeowner notices droppings that are strange, or the breathing and body health start to change, he should contact a center that deals with pest controls for an advise. The droppings could be from a rodent.
