Have you noticed a musky smell in your home that wasn’t there before? Or maybe you’ve seen the tell-tale signs of mice droppings and chewed-up food packaging in the kitchen and garage.
Rodent problems are not just annoying. If left unchecked, a rat or mouse infestation in your home can pose a severe health risk to your family. Not to mention, it could cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home.
Read on to learn more about the impact and hazards of rodents, the risks associated with a rodent infestation, and the signs to look out for to catch an infestation before it gets out of hand.
Health Hazards of Rodents
As there are many health hazards of rodents, the number one concern when dealing with rodents in the home is their potential to spread diseases. There are dozens of diseases spread by rodents, either directly or indirectly.
Direct contact may be from handling live or dead mice. But it can also occur when someone is exposed to feces or urine from an infected rodent or even from breathing in air containing dried particles from rodent droppings.
Many of these diseases can be fatal, especially to those susceptible to respiratory infections or immunocompromised individuals.
In addition to these contractable diseases, the buildup of their feces and urine can promote mold growth. This can also pose health risks as harmful mold spores are circulated through your home.
Home Damage
When entering your home searching for shelter or food, rodents wreak havoc by chewing through nearly everything.
To get into your home, they can chew through walls, creating holes through which other wildlife can also enter your home. When creating nests, they’ll tear up and compress the insulation and drag in leaf and plant material from outside.
In addition, rodents will often chew through objects to shorten their fast-growing teeth. They particularly like to chew through the wiring, as it is hard and convenient for them to get a hold of with their little paws.
This can not only mess with the electrical systems in your home but can also be a potential fire hazard as wires become exposed.
Signs You Have a Rodent Infestation
Often, homeowners don’t realize they have a rodent infestation until it has been already been going on for a while. But there are signs to look out for to catch an infestation early.
1. Noise
Listen for faint “skittering” sounds in the attic, ceilings, and inside walls.
2. Stale or Musky Smells
Rodent urine and droppings will create a musky odor that is faint at first and becomes stronger as the rat or mouse infestation grows.
3. Droppings
If you see droppings, you know you have a rodent problem. As soon as you see a couple of droppings, contact a pest control company near you to inspect your home and evaluate the extent of the infestation.
4. New Unexplained Allergies
You may not see or hear any signs of rodents. But if you’ve suddenly developed new allergy symptoms and don’t know the cause, it may be a reaction to their fur or droppings hidden in your living area.
Contact a Specialist to Deal With Your Rodent Infestation
If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control service to handle the issue. The impact and hazards of rodents can be significant. A professional can safely remove the infestation, repair damage to your home, and prevent future infestations.
Call today to schedule an inspection and get a free quote.
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