All you ever need to know about rats is that they are incredibly destructive creatures capable of causing significant damage to the structures within your home. Their ability to burrow through trash and belongings while you’re not looking adds to the chaos they can create. Moreover, they can be pretty vexing, as they might even nip or bite if startled.
Perhaps one of the most alarming aspects of rats is their potential role as carriers of infectious diseases. Although the chances of coming into physical contact with them when they’re in your home are slim, they can leave behind bacteria and contagions that can have deadly consequences. To shed light on these potential health hazards, keep reading for a list of five hazardous diseases they can bring into your living space and what you can do to keep them at bay.
1. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, also known as rat fever, is a bacterial infection transmitted through rat urine-contaminated soil or water. People are more at risk of leptospirosis infections when they work outdoors or with animals. The tropical climate in Singapore provides a conducive breeding ground for the bacteria to flourish, making it essential to be cautious.
Leptospirosis manifests as the following common symptoms: fever, muscle pain, headaches, and in severe cases, organ failure. To prevent leptospirosis, avoid contact with stagnant water, keep your surroundings clean, and seal any entry points that rats might use to enter your home.
2. Rat-bite fever
As the name suggests, rat-bite fever is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rats. While rare, rat-bite fever can lead to fever, skin rashes, and joint pain. If you suspect you have been bitten or scratched by a rat, it is imperative that you thoroughly clean the wound, apply an antiseptic, and seek medical attention immediately. To prevent rat-bite fever, avoid handling rats or allowing them to come in close contact with you or your pets.
3. Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, commonly associated with contaminated food. Rats can introduce this bacteria into your pantry and kitchen, leading to food poisoning.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever. To prevent salmonellosis, store food in airtight containers, keep your kitchen clean, and promptly clean up any spills to discourage rats from being attracted to your living space.
4. Plague
Though historically infamous, the plague still exists today and can be carried by rodents like rats. While Singapore has strict measures to prevent outbreaks, the possibility remains.
Plague symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, weakness, chills, and fever. Protect your home by keeping it clean, disposing of garbage properly, and eliminating areas where rats might nest.
5. Murine typhus
Murine typhus is spread through rat fleas. While not as severe as some other diseases, it can still cause flu-like symptoms, such as body aches and fever. To prevent murine typhus, control flea infestations by keeping your home and pets clean. If you suspect a rat infestation, consult with pest control experts straight away to address the issue.
Tips to steer clear of rats
In a country as well-regulated and clean as Singapore, it’s easy to underestimate the threat posed by pests like rats. However, taking proactive measures to prevent rat infestations and educating yourself about the diseases they can carry is crucial to safeguarding your family’s health. Here are some additional tips to help you keep your home rat-free;
- Educate your family: Teach your family about the dangers of rats and the importance of maintaining a clean and rat-free environment.
- Secure food: Store food in airtight containers made of materials rats cannot chew through. This will prevent rats from being attracted to your pantry or kitchen.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean your home, especially areas where food is prepared and stored. Additionally, dispose of trash in tightly sealed bins.
- Pest control: If you suspect a rat infestation, don’t hesitate to contact professional pest control services. They have the expertise to effectively remove rats and prevent future problems.
Conclusion
While rats might seem harmless, they can pose a significant threat to your health and the well-being of your household. By understanding the diseases they can carry and taking proactive steps to prevent rat infestations, you can ensure that your home remains a safe and healthy space.
If you’re looking for residential, commercial, or industrial pest control services, you can surely trust PestClinic. With a wide variety of rat control and extermination solutions, you can rest assured that your house will be free of the threat of rat-based contaminations. Besides rat-based services, we offer other services such as mosquito, ant, gnat, cockroach, and termite inspection in Singapore, among others. Contact us right away to book our services.