The Dangers of Winter Rodent Infestation

During the winter months, rodents will begin making their way indoors for the warmth and food opportunities that are readily available. Most homeowners aren’t too keen on letting their home be shared with rodents or other pests that may happen to wander in. However, this is justified due to the serious health risks that rodents present.

Disease Transmission

Though mice can be seen constantly grooming themselves and each other, much like cats, they still carry the risk of many different bacteria, viruses and diseases. Rodents and the parasites they carry with them can transmit a number of potentially fatal diseases to humans. Some of the possible diseases that can be contracted are:

• Hantavirus – Perhaps the most commonly heard virus transmitted by rodents, hantavirus infection can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome after an incubation time. This can turn potentially fatal if left untreated. Though rodents are often infected by the hantavirus they are seemingly immune to the disease as a host.
• Listeria – You may have heard of food being recalled due to listeria contamination. Rodents are capable of carrying these bacteria and transmitting it to food sources and other surfaces that homeowners come into contact with. Listeria is most likely to harm pregnant women, newborns and elderly individuals.
• Salmonellosis –  Also known as salmonella, salmonellosis can be fatal to some individuals if not treated with antibiotics. When contracted, individuals will suffer severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. When treated with antibiotics, recovery will generally take up to 7 days.

Allergies

Studies have shown that there are as many people allergic to mouse droppings as there is mold. This can be a pretty staggering realization when you find that trace amounts of mouse urine were found within 82% percent of homes. Exposure to either of these can trigger severe allergic reactions in both children and adults.

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At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too. If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form. We are also on Facebook and Google+.