During the winter, more and more people find it difficult to avoid the sicknesses that seem to be making their rounds. This seems to be especially true when you have little people running around your home that are going to school and catching germs. Unfortunately, there is more than a risk of the cold and flu during this time of year as mice and other small rodents are trying their best to get into your home. Animal Pest Management Services is here to talk about the diseases and health risk that come from mice and rats in your home this winter.

Diseases from Mice to Humans

During the winter, rodents such as rats and mice are trying their hardest to get inside your home in search of food and water. They make their way through very small cracks and holes found around your home; usually around doors, windows and foundations. The real concerns that comes with this is the risk of disease and damage that they can leave behind. When they leave behind their feces, there is a risk that disease will be spread as it accumulates. Some diseases can even be spread when they are inhaled after the feces have dried. Following are some of the diseases that are spread by rodents in your home:
– Hantavirus: This is one of the most well known viruses that is transmitted from mice to humans. The white footed deer mouse is the culprit. The virus is transmitted when the air is contaminated and then inhaled. Air is contaminated by feces, urine and saliva from the rodents, and the risk is much greater when there are mice actively infesting the area.
– Bubonic Plague: This is a highly contagious illness that was often deadly during the middle ages. While there have been medical breakthroughs that have allowed us to fight this illness, it can still be very painful and can lead to death.
– Salmonellosis: This is a type of food poisoning that is transmitted through rodents. This usually happens when food is contaminated by the rodents and will cause extreme abdominal pain and diarrhea.
– Rat-Bite Fever: If you are going to suffer from rat-bite fever (RBF) symptoms usually show up 3-10 days after exposure. This is an illness caused by consumption of food that has been contaminated by rodents.

Damage Caused By Rodents

Not only can rodent infestations cause serious illnesses for your family, but they can also cause serious damage to your home. When they chew through the wires of your electrical system they can also cause an increased risk of house fires.

Rodent Inspections, Control & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California

If you are struggling with rodents in your home, it is important that you get professional help as soon as possible. They reproduce at a rapid rate and one or two can turn into a full blown infestation in a hurry. Call Animal Pest Management Services today for rodent control services.