How Rats Make You Sick

Many believe that rats can't make them sick unless they are bitten, scratched, or come into direct contact with rat droppings.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Rats in the home can make you ill even if you never see one face-to-face.

The Most Common Rodent-Born Illness

Hantavirus, or HPS, is the most common disease you'll find when rats and mice are in the home. Breathing in the virus is the most common means of infection. 

Symptoms include fatigue and fever. You should watch out for muscle aches in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders. These symptoms are often, but not always, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. 

Eventually, you'll have trouble breathing because your lungs will fill with fluid, which can be fatal: HPS has a mortality rate of 38%. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get to a doctor ASAP!

Cleaning Up After Rats

After we help you remove rodents from your home, we will typically recommend companies to help you clean up the mess. That's because it's not all that safe for y you to clean up after rats yourself.

If you decide to handle the cleanup on your own, it's imperative to wear a mask and rubber gloves. Spray urine and droppings with a disinfectant. Get them soaking wet so particles can't go airborne, then let them soak for five minutes. 

Wipe the area with a paper towel and then go over it with another disinfectant. 

Wash your hands after completing the job. Never vacuum up droppings, as vacuuming will put all those particles right into the air. 

You'll use a similar process if you find a dead rat. Soak the body with disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. Place the body in a plastic bag, seal it, put it in a second bag, close it, and throw it into a trash can. Empty the trash can as soon as possible. 

Stay Safe and Get Help Fast

Rats carry up to 26 serious diseases. If you suspect they're in your home, you need to have them removed fast.

Contact Elite Wildlife to get help today.

The Most Common Rodent-Born Illness

Hantavirus, or HPS, is the most common disease you'll find when rats and mice are in the home. Breathing in the virus is the most common means of infection. 

Symptoms include fatigue and fever. You should watch out for muscle aches in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders. These symptoms are often, but not always, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. 

Eventually, you'll have trouble breathing because your lungs will fill with fluid, which can be fatal: HPS has a mortality rate of 38%. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get to a doctor ASAP!