No one wants to see a mouse or rat scurrying around their home. The shocking news is that 70% of households in South Africa have been invaded by rats or mice at some point. You may think that a stray rat running around is no big deal, but they can cause a lot of damage. Not just to your home, but to your health too. Here are some dangers and damages of a rodent infestation.
Health Risks Caused By Rat Infestations
While one rat is not a huge deal, they reproduce incredibly quickly to easily cause rat Infestations of epic proportions . So, if you see one, there are probably more hiding in other places. As their population grows, so do the health risks. Rodents can easily spread viruses and bacteria through their feces. Common diseases carried by rodents include Hantavirus, Salmonella and the Bubonic Plague. Breathing in fumes from their feces can also exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. Rodents can also contaminate your dry pantry goods if they are not sealed properly.
Rat Infestations Cause Damage to Your Home
Rodents can wreak havoc on your home, especially during the winter months. They will do whatever it takes to find a warm place to nest. If you have any cracks, holes or crevices in and around your home, odds are they will sneak in. Rodents especially love hiding out in insulation, old furniture, boxes, bedding and attics.
If they have to, they will also chew through various objects to find a place to nest. Rodents are notorious for chewing through electrical wires and insulation, which can lead to costly repairs and potential fire hazards. If you notice holes in your insulation or exposed wires, contact a pest control company right away.
Stop Rodents in Their Tracks
The first step in preventing a rodent infestation is to seal up your home. Fill in any cracks or holes in your roof, walls, foundation and basement to cut off any potential entry points. Store firewood at least three feet away from your home and keep excess debris out of your yard.
Other than shelter, rodents enter your home in search of food. Cut off their food supply by keeping your dry goods in airtight containers. Rodents can easily chew through paper and cardboard, so items like cereal, rice, oats and pet food need to be stored properly. Dealing with a rodent infestation is nerve-wrecking and potentially dangerous. Luckily, we have the right pest control experts to keep your home rodent-free. If you have an infestation on your hands, contact ACCEND Solutions® today to set up an appointment.