The Risks of Rodents in New Mexico
Rats and mice infestations are a fact of life in Santa Fe NM year-round. We’re all grossed out by the thought of rodents running around in our homes, but beyond being a nuisance, they can be dangerous. Rats and mice are infamous for causing a lot of damage inside homes and businesses, and even worse, their waste and filth have the potential to harbor and spread a number of dangerous diseases. It’s important to stay informed about the dangers of rodents to protect your family and home when they show up. Read on for information on the diseases and damage caused by rats and mice from our rodent experts at New Mexico Pest Control.
Mouse and Rat Diseases to Know
Rodents are most feared for their ability to carry and transmit a number of dangerous diseases. These diseases can be transmitted directly when a human comes into contact with a rodent’s saliva or droppings, or when a bite occurs. These diseases are also spread indirectly by infected fleas, mites, and ticks. The main rat and mice-borne diseases to know about include:
- Hantavirus. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches and pains.
- Salmonella. Rats and mice are infamous for contaminating food. The most common bacteria they spread is salmonella, otherwise known as food poisoning.
- Lyme Disease. Rats and mice often carry ticks, which can induce Lyme disease in humans. This disease is dangerous and can have serious long-term health effects.
- Plague. Historically, the bubonic plague was caused by infected fleas traveling on rats and mice. Even though this was centuries ago, the same disease can still be spread today.
What Does Rodent Damage Look Like?
In addition to the diseases they’re capable of spreading, mouse and rat infestations are most feared for the damage they inflict on properties. Rats and mice can create a big mess with their nesting habits, as they’ll tear through any material they see fit to work with. Perhaps the most dangerous habit of rats is their chewing habit. Rats have incisor teeth that never stop growing, which means they have to constantly have something to gnaw on to keep them from overgrowing! This can lead to damaged electrical wires, which can lead to a fire hazard. Overall, rodent infestations can cause a lot more damage in your home or business than you might realize, and it can all occur before you even know they’re there.
How to Get Rid of Mice and Rats in Santa Fe NM
If you’ve discovered rats or mice on your property, it’s essential to work with your local pest control company to get rid of them. We understand how distressing a rat or mouse infestation can be, which is why we’ll work with you to prevent them from ever starting in the first place. To learn how we can protect you from the dangers of rodents all year long, contact our rodent exterminators today!
