Rodent Infestation: Why Rats are More Dangerous Than They Seem

Rodent infestation can be very hard to deal with as rodents can damage household items, groceries, and clothes and even spread several diseases. Besides, the increasing population of rats and mice in Round Rock, Texas, has become a matter of concern for the residents.

Therefore, understanding how to prevent a rodent infestation can save you and your family from a lot of trouble. However, if the situation seems to get out of control, it is better to call experts like Stride Pest Control, as they can provide quick and long-lasting solutions.

Understanding what makes rats and mice dangerous

While rats and mice seem pretty harmless, they are a significant health hazard and can also cause structural damage to homes. Besides, rodents are carriers of various diseases that can infect your food and water and can be fatal if your children or pets contract them. Here are some major risks of rodents:

Rodents carry a potentially fatal virus known as hantavirus. Hantavirus infection is usually caused by inhaling mouse urine, saliva, or fecal matter. The risk substantially increases if you live in a place with rodent infestation.
Rodents can contaminate food with Salmonella, and eating such contaminated food may cause a salmonellosis infection. The infection may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever.
Eating food contaminated by rats can also cause rat-bite fever. The symptoms may become visible in 3-10 days and include fever, headache, muscle pain, etc.
Rats and mice can also transmit several harmful bacteria, which can be fatal for infants.
Rodents can also chew through cables, walls, hoses, wires, etc., and create massive damage over time, which can be difficult to keep up with. They can also damage electrical appliances and cars.

Common methods to control rodents

There are various methods to control a rodent infestation. However, the most common and effective methods are as follows.

Regular sanitation is a very effective way of controlling rodents, as it removes their food source, and they cannot remain in the sanitized area for longer.
Rodent proofing or closing the entry points from where the rodents enter the house is another effective way of controlling rodent infestation.
You can also hunt for rodents and use rodent traps and rodent poison baits to get rid of the rodents from your premises.
Another way to get rid of rodents is to get a pet cat or dog that can hunt for the rodents and prevent them from entering your house.
You can also spray rodent repellents around your house to prevent rats and mice from entering. However, this method provides only a temporary solution.