Rodents: The Real Scare of Winter

There is never just one mouse in the house. While that can scare a homeowner, it is the unseen dangers that rodents bring into the home that are the real scare. During winter, rodents seek shelter in high numbers. By entering through openings, the size of a dime for mice and the size of a quarter for rats, these pests can bring immense damage. By chewing through drywall, insulation, wood and electrical wiring, rodents can greatly increase the potential risk for fires. Not only can they cause structural damage, but they also bring health concerns.

Rodents can spread numerous diseases, including salmonella, murine typhus, infectious jaundice, rat-bite fever and other fatal diseases. Even a buildup of rodent droppings can cause indoor allergies. To avoid these health concerns, read the tips below on how to prevent rodents from entering your home this winter.

Tips to Keep Rodents Out of your Home:

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
• Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
• Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
• Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
• Eliminate all moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
• Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages for evidence of rodents before bringing them indoors.
• Regularly check under the hood of the car for signs of a rodent infestation.

Diseases spread by rats and mice include:

Murine Typhus

Murine typhus is a form of typhus that is transmitted by fleas usually found on rats. This disease can cause viral illness with symptoms that resemble measles or rubella. Murine typhus is highly treatable with antibiotics, but can be fatal for the elderly.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that can be contracted by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with rat feces. Salmonellosis usually lasts about four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

Leptospirosis

Similar to salmonellosis, leptospirosis, also known as infectious jaundice, is a bacterial disease. It is contracted through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Unlike salmonellosis, there are a wide range of symptoms and some people may not have symptoms at all. However, without proper treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress and can even be fatal.

Rat-Bite Fever

Rat-bite fever is an infectious disease that is contracted from infected rodents or the consumption of contaminated food or water. Symptoms resemble a severe flu with fever, chills, joint paint and a red rash. If not treated, rat-bite fever can be fatal.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

HPS is a viral disease that can spread by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces, or less commonly, a direct bite. Early symptoms of HPS are often misdiagnosed as a common flu. This disease can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Make sure you are aware of all the potential ways rodents can enter your home and recognize the symptoms of the diseases they can bring.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.wil-kil.com/.

About Shane McCoy:

Shane McCoy is the Quality and Technical Training Director for Wil-Kil Pest Control, a regional pest management company providing quality pest management for residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest. As an Associate Certified Entomologist with over 20 years of experience in pest management, Shane’s blog provides expert tips and tricks, timely information and solutions for coexisting with the insect life and critters around us. To learn more about Wil-Kil Pest Control, please visit www.wil-kil.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@WilKilPest).