Which Rats Are Dangerous?
WouterRats are one of the most common household pests in the United States and have a variety of health hazards. Rats can cause serious damage to your home and can be deadly if they chew electrical cables or gas pipes. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate rat infestations. First, you can keep cats around the house to help control rat populations. Another option is to hire a professional exterminator.
Rats are omnivorous and can eat up to 30 percent of their body weight each day. They eat a wide variety of foods, including grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some species will even eat fish and meat. Unlike their predatory ancestors, rats don’t prefer to be around humans; instead, they prefer vegetation and small animals.
In addition to their destructive habits, rats can transmit a variety of diseases to humans. While they are rarely a direct source of infection, rodents can spread various diseases through their feces, urine, fur, and other remains. The most common way to come in contact with rodents is by eating contaminated food. Although rats typically feed on dried pantry goods, they will also feed on almost any kind of food.
Aside from bites, rats can also cause infection by scratching. They can also transmit diseases through their saliva and urine. Infection from rat bite fever can cause heart and kidney failure, as well as a variety of cardiovascular problems. Luckily, this disease is treatable.
