Rats and mice may be small, but they can cause lots of trouble. This is why they are considered pests by homeowners, property managers, and business owners. Not only do they cause structural damages, but they also cause food contamination and spread diseases among household members. With their presence and infestation, they can easily lead to various health problems, whether at home or even in the office!

In this article, we’ll share with you the impact of rats and mice on the occupants’ health, and what you can do to keep them under control.

The impact of rats and mice on health

Did you know that rats and mice are known to spread more than 35 diseases across the globe? Yes, they must not be taken for granted, despite their small size as it’s easy for them to transmit illnesses to occupants in a business establishment and the household members in a residential property. Below are some common diseases that come from these pests:

• Plague
• Salmonellosis
• Leptospirosis
• Tularemia

If you’re wondering how these diseases are transmitted, they are made possible through the following means:

• Direct contact (rat or mice bites)
• Unsafe disposal of infected dead rats or mice
• Contaminated food or drinking water
• Exposure to rat or mice urine, feces, saliva, and hair
• Breathing contaminated specks of dust
• Ticks, fleas, and mites living on infected rats or mice

Common signs of rat or mice infestation

The presence of rats or mice in your property must be taken seriously with prompt actions before these pests escalate into a major infestation. Below are common signs of pest presence or infestation:

• Droppings (12 mm to 18 mm long)
• Peculiar debris (fruits with the sides eaten out)
• Bones left in unlikely corners and secluded places
• Greasy trails or rub marks
• Burrow holes
• Gnawing damages
• Squeaking, gnawing or scratching sounds

Top tips in keeping rats or mice under control

If you ever find out that there are rats or mice present on your property, here’s what you can do to keep them under control:

• Pest starvation: The best way to chase them away is to remove their access to food and shelter.

• Clear your garden of unwanted wastes and unused materials
• Harvest fruits and nuts from trees or vines by the end of the season
• Seal holes, gaps, and openings in your property
• Store bird seeds and chicken feed in a tight container
• Keep pet food supplies in sealed containers
• Ensure rubbish and compost bins have no holes
• Keep your property always clean and tidy
• Get rid of the clutter regularly

• Pest removal: The Health Act of 1911 requires property owners to prevent rats or mice infestation, so be sure to do the following:

• Inform your neighbour about rats or mice on your property and see if their property is infested as well.
• Report any signs or sightings of rats to your local government, particularly if you cannot control them yourself.
• Use poison baits and effective traps to get rid of them on your property.
• Hire a pest control service to exterminate them successfully.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the impact of rats and mice on your health. For this reason, be sure to follow the valuable steps outlined above to keep these pests under control. Ultimately, it’s best to hire a pest control service company to ensure that these pesky creatures are completely exterminated from your property!

Are you looking to get rid of rats and mice on your property? We’ve got you covered, as we’re a pest control company in North Shore. We deal with all types of pests in residential and commercial properties, such as cockroaches, ants, fleas, silverfish, ticks, rodents, spiders, wasps, and bedbugs. If you need a pest control expert, connect with us today to request a quote!