Roof Rat Diseases: Symptoms & Prevention of Illness

Dangerous Pests

The sleek, black roof rat is one of the most common species of rats in the United States. These pests cause significant damage through their gnawing, nesting, and burrowing habits. However, roof rat diseases are the most serious concern for people and pets.

Types of Roof Rat Diseases

There are several diseases roof rats can transmit to humans. These include:

Leptospirosis – This illness causes a wide range of symptoms such as fever, aches, stomach distress, and chills. It may progress to meningitis or liver and kidney failure if left untreated.
Plague – Deadly if ignored, plague results in flu-like symptoms as well as swelling, tenderness, shock, and bleeding.
Salmonellosis – Brought on by Salmonella bacteria, this roof rat disease causes diarrhea, cramps, and fever.
Rat-Bite Fever – Symptoms of rat-bite fever include vomiting, aches, pains, and rash.
Typhus – This ailment inflicts headaches, rash, and fever.

How Do Roof Rat Diseases Spread?

Infections spread in several ways. Direct contact with a roof rat, dead or alive, puts people at risk for rat-bite fever. Bites and scratches are especially dangerous.

Some roof rat diseases can also infect people indirectly. Fleas from diseased rodents spread typhus and plague. Likewise, touching rat waste or consuming it through contaminated food or water can inflict salmonellosis and leptospirosis.

Prevention

Homeowners must always be cautious when dealing with rodents. To stay safe and prevent the spread of roof rat diseases, contact the pest specialists at Critter Control. They have all the tools and know-how to remove and thwart infestations.

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