Rats are a common household pest that can often carry diseases into your home. They can contaminate food, spread bacteria and create an unsanitary environment. While rats may seem inevitable in city life, there are ways to prevent them from entering your home and causing damage.

Read on as we discuss the different diseases that rats carry and how to prevent rats from coming into your home.

What Diseases Do Rats Carry?

Rats are carriers of several diseases that can spread to humans. 

1. Plague 

It is a bacterial infection by fleas that live on rats. Symptoms include fever, chills and body aches. If left untreated, the plague can be fatal.

2. Typhus 

This is another disease that rats can spread. This disease is caused by a bacterium carried by lice that live on rats. Symptoms of typhus include fever, headache and rash. Typhus can also be fatal if left untreated.

3. Salmonellosis 

This is a bacterial infection that is spread by contact with animal feces. This disease can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. While most cases of salmonellosis are not fatal, the condition can still be serious, especially for young children or the elderly.

4. Rat Bite Fever 

This is spread through rat bites. The bacteria that cause this disease, Streptobacillus moniliformis, are found in the mouths of rats. When a rat bites a human, the bacteria can enter the human's bloodstream and cause an infection. Symptoms of rat bite fever include fever, chills, muscle aches and vomiting. If left untreated, rat bite fever can be fatal.

5. Leptospirosis 

Rats can contaminate water with their urine, which contains the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. Humans can develop the disease when they come into contact with contaminated water. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills, muscle aches and vomiting.

How Can You Prevent a Rat Infestation in Your Home?

Infestations of rats in homes are not only a nuisance but can also pose a severe health risk to you and your family. There are several things you can do to prevent rats from taking up residence in your home:

• 
  Keep your home clean and free of clutter. Rats will nest in any area that provides them shelter and protection from the elements.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly. Rats are attracted to food sources and will rummage through rubble in search of a meal.
• Inspect your home for any potential entry points and seal them off. Rats can squeeze through tiny openings, so they must ensure they can't get inside.
• Keep your yard clean and free of debris. Tall grass and piles of wood or leaves provide perfect hiding spots for rats.
• If you have a rat problem, call a professional pest control company to have them removed. Do not try it yourself, as you could worsen the situation.

Conclusion

It is essential to be aware of the diseases that rats can carry into your home. These diseases can spread to humans and pets and cause serious health problems. If you think you may have a rat infestation, you must contact a pest control professional to safely and effectively remove them from your home.

If you are looking for services for pest control in Seven Hills, Roach Busters is here to help you. We provide a variety of professional services for the eradication of all kinds of pests. We strive to provide all of our customers with courteous service. Contact us today!