Are Rats And Mice Dangerous?

Rodents have a lot of potential to be dangerous. They’re known for their destructive tendencies since they have to chew constantly to keep their teeth under control – they can even cause structural damage. They can also carry disease-causing bacteria and contaminate food. Are rodents actually dangerous, or are they just a nuisance? Read on to learn a few facts from the Seitz Bros team.

Dangers of Rats and Mice in Pennsylvania

Many people are afraid of rodents – or at least find them startling. They’re much more afraid of you than you are of them, though; rodents are not aggressive and will avoid human contact as much as possible. That’s why they’re more active at night. 

Even though rats and mice aren’t likely to bite you, they can pose other problems, such as the following:

Sanitation Concerns

Rats and mice are not clean animals, and they don’t particularly care about where they go to the bathroom. Their droppings contain bacteria that can make people sick and contaminate food. This is hazardous both in homes and businesses, especially food service businesses.

Structural Damage

Rodents may be small, but they can still cause a lot of damage. Their teeth are sturdy, and they can chew through drywall, concrete, and even certain metals. Combine this with their constant need to chew and it’s easy to see how bad the damage can get. If they chew through electrical wires, rats and mice can even start a fire.

Diseases Carried by Rats and Mice

The majority of rodent-borne diseases are actually carried by parasites, like ticks and fleas, that bite rodents and then transfer to people. Direct transmission from rodents to humans is very rare, but rodent bites should always be treated immediately. If you have been bitten by a mouse or rat, seek medical attention right away. 

Rodent-borne diseases include:

1. Hantavirus. This disease is spread through contact with rodents’ bodily fluids and feces. It can also be spread through bites (though, as mentioned, bites are rare.)
2. Salmonellosis. Rodents can carry the salmonella bacteria in their digestive tracts, which gives people food poisoning if they eat contaminated food.
3. Bubonic Plague. Believe it or not, the plague is still out there! While most notorious for killing a third of the population during the Middle Ages, the plague is very treatable with modern antibiotics. 
4. Rat-Bite Fever (RBF.) As the name implies, this potentially fatal bacterial infection can be transmitted through bites. However, it is also spread through food contaminated with rodent body fluids.

These diseases may sound scary, and they certainly shouldn’t be taken lightly, but remember that you are still unlikely to contract a disease from mice or rats – especially if you act fast and call Seitz Bros when you notice signs of rodents on your property.

Count on Seitz Bros to Keep You Safe from Rodents

Rats and mice may cause structural damage and disease, but with help from the Seitz Bros team and our custom-made rodent control services, your rodent-related concerns will be put to rest. From comprehensive inspection to follow-up services, you can count on our team to protect your Pennsylvania home or business from rodents year-round.

Give us a call to get started with a free inspection!