Question 1

What diseases do rats carry?

Accepted Answer

Rats carry over 15,000 human diseases and do so both directly and indirectly. These diseases include:

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
Bubonic plague
Typhus
Hantavirus
Salmonellosis
Pneumonic Plague
Leptospirosis
Tularemia
Rat Bite Fever
Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
Lassa Fever
South American Arenaviruses
Colorado Tick Fever
Lyme Disease
Scrub Typhus
Rickettsialpox
West Nile Virus

Yes, bubonic plague still exists! It did not die out completely in the Middle Ages. Several of these diseases can, of course, be fatal to you and your family.

Question 2

What happens if a rat bites or scratches you?

Accepted Answer

As you've seen, you can get very sick. While you may luck out and walk away from a rat bite or scratch with little more than a small, irritating wound, it's important to see a doctor right away. There's a good chance you'll need to be tested for diseases and there's an even better chance you'll need antibiotics. If you decide to take a "wait and see" approach you should head to the doctor immediately if you start experiencing joint pain, fever, chills, muscle pains, headaches, skin rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's also a good idea to head to the doctor if you see pus at the skin wound, or any kind of skin rash. Be sure to keep the wound exceedingly clean.

Question 3

Should you kill rats?

Accepted Answer

While you might be tempted to kill the rat that bit you, the truth is that killing rats doesn't help to remove them from your home. When you see one, there are generally many more that you haven't found. All you are doing is harming one small, intelligent animal who is trying to survive just like you are. We use humane rat removal efforts to block off all of the methods of egress into your home. We trap the rats and then take them somewhere that they can live their little rat lives without harming humans. We also teach you how to keep the rats from coming back. In short, you don't have to live with these ferocious little pests, but you don't have to hurt them either. Indeed, it's best if you don't try to handle them on your own, as that can put you into direct conflict with them and put you at risk. Need help with rats? Live in the Houston Metro area? Call Elite Wildlife! We can help you handle rats safely so you can get back to enjoying your home.

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