Are Rats Dangerous To Humans?

Question

Rodents, such as rats, are associated with a number of health problems. Rats are known to spread more than 35 diseases.

These diseases can be transmitted directly to humans by contact with live or dead rats, by contact with rat faeces, urine, or saliva, and by rat bites.

Some rats can carry dangerous diseases such as HPS, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, plague, and typhus. The best way to protect yourself and your family from these diseases is to keep rats out of your home.

They carry many other diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), tularemia, and salmonella.

Wild rodents can also cause significant property damage by chewing through wires in homes, car engines, and other places.

How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your Home

Are Rats Dangerous To Humans?

Contrary to what many believe, rats prefer a clean environment rather than a dirty place, they only appear dirty because they are nocturnal due to fear of humans.

Rats in your house are attracted by the presence of food, and a place away from predators(shelter).

Some may say that it’s dirt that attracts rats to their home but no it’s your foodstuffs, although since they are destructive, their activities are untidy and dirty.

That been said, clean your household environment because rats have a bushy area where they lurk around before entering your house, so fumigate around your house and keep your rooms tidy.

There are some ways to prevent rats from entering your home, such ways are by:

 

1. Cover all cracks

Rats can enter your home through exterior cracks and openings, so cover them with wire wool, caulk, metal pads, or cement. They have also been known to enter rooms through damaged drains, so it’s important to make sure they are well maintained and checked regularly.

NB: If you don’t know how rodents can get into your home, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional to analyze the room and advise on the possible causes of the problem.

 

2.Tidy Up and decongest

Keep minimum items and move away from walls so you can check what’s hiding behind them.

Fewer items mean fewer places to hide. Make sure waste is stored in locked bins, and clean pipes and drains regularly if possible.

 

3.Eliminate potential food sources

This can be done by storing dry food in tightly sealed containers, making sure no food is left on the counters, and cleaning up any spills.

 

4. Contact the right experts

If you encounter a pest problem or just want to prevent it, it’s important to know who to contact. Outside contractors have a responsibility to stay up-to-date on the latest legislation in their area.

Exterminators are no different, so if you’re not sure how best to prevent rodents in your home, it’s always best to contact the experts.

 

5. Keep trash cans closed

Cover all household waste that rats can access. Keep trash can lids closed. Try to keep bins out of direct sunlight to reduce odor and decomposition rate, which attracts pests. Clean containers regularly.

 

6. Look out for entry points

Check for entry points into your home and outbuildings. Seal gaps around pipes and under sheds. Even small holes can create easy access for pests. Rats can squeeze through any space you can stick your thumb through.

 

7. Keep your garden tidy

Keeping your garden tidy by removing trash and wood piles limits potential rat nesting sites.

If your house has been infested with rats, then you have to chase them away, we have compiled ways to effectively get rid of these rodents:

 

1. Clean, Monitor Then Eliminate

We have talked about cleanliness already but let’s further emphasize it. A clean household makes your rats vulnerable, as they feel they are free to operate.

Monitoring the behavior of rats is the first step in getting rid of them. Once you know the location of the rats, you can set traps or place bait.

Elimination is an important method of rodent control. It allows you to get rid of rats by making it harder for them to enter your home or structure. Rats are easier to exclude than mice because rats are usually larger. Mice can penetrate a hole up to 3/8 inch wide. All holes larger than 1/4 inch must be covered to exclude mice from entering. For rats, all holes larger than 1/2″ must be sealed. Rats are wary of new objects, new food, or changes in the environment. They are constantly examining their environment, noticing changes, and are suspicious by nature. Because of their suspicious nature, traps and bait stations may be avoided for a day or two. They approach new food or object with caution. There may be several rats in a rat colony that is particularly cautious and manages to avoid traps or eating rodent baits.

 

2. Trapping or Baiting

The most effective way of getting rid of rats is trapping them and placing rodent baits.

Trapping reduces the rat population in your household thereby reducing the risk of infestation. It is an alternative for those who do not want to use rodenticides.

If the rat population is small enough, trapping can produce quick results with the right approach.

Finally, trapping ensures that you can get rid of dead rats before their odor becomes a problem in a hard-to-reach area.

Rat baits (rodenticides) are poison baits and should be used in areas out of the reach of pets and children.

To protect against accidental poisoning, use tamper-resistant bait stations that keep baits in place and out of the reach of children and pets.

Using tamper-resistant bait stations in areas where children or pets can enter is a national law and recommendation.

We offer single-use baits (it only takes one feeding to produce a lethal dose). Rat baits are available in pellets, flours, and blocks.

 


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https://www.quora.com/Are-rats-dangerous

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