Mice, rats, and other rodents are not only a nuisance to homeowners, but they also carry many diseases that can cause serious health problems. From more common ailments like salmonella to rare diseases like plague, the effects of rodent-spread diseases can be devastating. Take control of the situation by learning how to prevent and control rodents around your property.
Rodent Diseases
Diseases can be spread by rodents in two main ways. Some are spread through direct contact that may involve touching or inhaling feces and urine or through actual bites, while others are spread indirectly through an intermediate source like a flea or tick. There are far-ranging symptoms resulting from these various diseases, but some may include: fatigue, fever, dizziness, nausea, muscle aches, meningitis, encephalitis, and in very rare cases even death.
Dealing with Current Infestations
Nearly all homeowners will have to deal with rodents at one point or another, but the key is making sure that the problem is handled quickly and correctly so it does not become a major infestation. Trapping and rodenticides are the two most common ways of getting rid of live rodents. This can be done by the homeowner or through a professional pest control company that has specialized tools and experience.
Once they are gone, rodent preventive measures must be in place to keep them from coming back. Aside from keeping your home clean and decluttered, one of the most important things that can be done is to seal the exterior of your home and close off all potential entry points. This can be done using caulk for small cracks and expandable spray foam for larger holes.
The last step in dealing with an infestation is proper clean up. Many of the diseases associated with rodents can be spread through air-borne particles or direct contact with the carcasses of dead rodents, so caution is required during the cleaning process. As a precaution, always wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, gloves, and a mask when working around rodents or their droppings. Before you start trying to clean up the mess, you can spray everything with a disinfectant and air out the area as best as possible. Carefully bag all components of the rodent infestation, seal it, and then dispose of it in an outdoor rubbish bin. Again, it may be easier and less stressful to hire someone to do this if you are feeling uncomfortable with the process.
Dealing with rodent infestations is never fun, but it must be done to prevent major health issues. If you are having trouble with rodents around your home, contact Radar Pest Control. Our expert technicians will have your home pest-free in no time at all. For Sunshine Coast pest control, you won’t find better than Radar Pest Control.