Are Rats Bad For Your Health?

Rodents are not necessarily bad for your health, but you should keep them away from your home. Their droppings, fur, and bites can carry disease and parasites. Some of these diseases can cause fever and diarrhea. Others can cause neurological damage or even meningitis. You should avoid exposing your pets to rats.

Rats are known to carry many viruses that can harm your health. These viruses are released when the dried feces, urine, and saliva break down. You can contract respiratory illness by being exposed to these viruses, so it is essential that you get rid of all evidence of rat or mouse activity.

Rats may also carry the disease Hantavirus, which can be life-threatening. The disease is spread by contact with the fleas of infected rodents. Infected people can have symptoms including fever, headache, and painful lymph nodes. In 2012, a Colorado girl became ill after she was exposed to a rat. You can also contract salmonellosis, a disease caused by bacteria found in the feces and urine of rats.

Rats live in a variety of places, including garbage cans, buildings, and homes. You can prevent them from entering your home by putting trash cans in places where rats cannot hide. In addition, rat droppings and pet food should be removed from outdoor garbage bins every day.