hemRats are not only a nuisance but also carry dangerous diseases that can harm people. Rat infestations in Hinsdale can pose severe risks to residents, particularly in areas where such rodents find shelter, water, and food. As a homeowner, you must understand the diseases rats can carry, so you know how you can protect yourself and your family from them. Also, this allows you to determine the significance of working with Pointe Pest Control professionals. 

Rats can transmit diseases directly through bites, contaminated food, or scratches. In some instances, they can spread them indirectly through other parasites they carry such as ticks or fleas. Below are the most common rat-borne diseases they can spread in Hinsdale, Illinois:

Leptospirosis

Rats can transmit this bacterial infection through their urine. Humans can contract it through direct contact with contaminated food, water, or soil. Symptoms of this infection include high fever, vomiting, muscle aches, kidney or liver damage, and jaundice. Avoiding stagnant water and keeping trash bins sealed can help prevent attracting rats. 

Salmonellosis

This kind of food poisoning is caused by Salmonella bacteria. This bacteria can be spread through rat droppings that contaminate surfaces or food. Symptoms of this condition include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and dehydration in serious cases. To prevent transmission of this disease, store food in airtight containers and disinfect kitchen surfaces regularly. 

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus is a possibly deadly virus spread through rat droppings, saliva, and urine. As droppings dry out and turn into dust, the virus becomes airborne. Symptoms of HPS include fever and chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and serious respiratory distress in later stages. To ensure you do not inhale contaminated dust, wear a mask and gloves when cleaning infested areas. 

Rat-Bite Fever

This disease is caused by bacteria in rat saliva. It spreads through scratches, bites, or contact with a dead rat. Its symptoms include rash, fever, muscle and joint pain, and nausea and vomiting. If you think you are dealing with a rat infestation, use professional pest control services and avoid direct contact with rats. 

Plaque

Although rare, rats and their fleas used to cause plaque. Fleas infected with Yersinia pestis bacteria can transmit plaque to people. Symptoms of this condition include swollen lymph nodes, fever and chills, serious infection, and extreme fatigue. If you have pets at home, address flea infestations as soon as possible and keep your house free of rodents. 

Avoiding Rat-Related Diseases

To prevent rat-borne diseases, keep your house free from rodents. This includes storing food in sealed containers, cleaning up crumbs and spills right away, taking out the trash regularly, sealing entry points, maintaining the yard, setting traps, and using natural deterrents. 

If you spot signs of an infestation, like droppings, scratching noises in walls, and gnaw marks, seek professional help. Pest control professionals In Hinsdale can identify the seriousness of the infestation, use effective extermination methods, and prevent future rodent issues. Ignoring a rat issue can result in serious health risks and property damage. By acting promptly, your home will be protected from rodents. 

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Although DIY rat control methods can address minor infestations, some situations necessitate professional service. For instance, professional intervention may be necessary if rat activity persists despite DIY efforts and when you spot signs of a large-scale infestation. Also, you may need to call a pest control team if rats have damaged your property. Property damage related to rats includes gnawed electrical wires, holes in floors and walls, destroyed food packaging, and damaged insulation. An increase in rat-borne health risks also indicates the need to work with pest control professionals.