Call today for a free quote!
What Diseases Do Rats Carry in Virginia?
Rats can be more than just a nuisance, they can actually pose some pretty serious health risks. But don’t worry! We’re here to arm you with the information you need to keep your family and pets safe.
Which Rodents Carry Diseases?
Now let’s dive into the main culprits we’re dealing with here in Virginia. Almost all rodents can potentially carry diseases, but there are a few usual suspects we see more often in our homes and businesses:
- The Deer Mouse: Deer mice are known carriers of hantavirus and salmonella. They’re mostly found in rural or semi-rural areas, but they’re not opposed to coming into your home for a snack if given the chance.
- The House Mouse: As the name suggests, these mice are quite comfortable making themselves at home in our houses. They’re found all over the world and can spread nasty diseases like rat-bite fever.
- The Meadow Vole: These cute little creatures might look harmless, but they can transmit tularemia (also known as rabbit fever). They’re also often carrying mites and ticks, which come with their own set of problems.
- The Roof Rat: These acrobatic rodents are known for spreading a variety of diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella, rat-bite fever, murine typhus, and toxoplasmosis.
Do You Have a Rodent Problem? We Can Help.
Click the button below to leave your information & we'll be in touch in an hour or less.
Rodent-Borne Illnesses in Virginia
While not every furry little intruder is carrying a dangerous disease, some rodents can indeed pose health risks. But with the right information and prompt action, you can protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Hantavirus: This tricky illness is usually spread by deer mice. It might start off feeling like a bad case of the flu, with fever and chills, but it can quickly become more serious.
- Rat-bite fever: Despite its name, you don’t actually need to be bitten by a rat to contract this illness. Handling infected rodents or even touching contaminated traps without proper protection can potentially spread this disease.
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is a bit of a chameleon. It can lurk in water or soil that’s been contaminated by the urine of infected animals, often rodents.
- Salmonellosis: We often associate Salmonella with undercooked food, but did you know that rodent droppings can also spread this illness?
- Tularemia: Also known as “rabbit fever,” this disease can actually be contracted from handling infected rodents like meadow voles.
- Murine Typhus: This disease is actually spread by fleas that have bitten infected rodents, particularly rats.
- Toxoplasmosis: While we often associate this parasite with cat litter boxes, rodents can also carry it. In healthy adults, it might just feel like a bad case of the flu, but it’s still something we want to avoid.
Rodent-Borne Disease Symptoms
If you’ve been around rodents and start feeling under the weather, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Ulcers
If you’re experiencing any of these, especially if you know there are rodents nearby or you’ve recently handled one, seek medical attention right away. They’re the experts who can give you a proper evaluation and treatment if needed.
How Do These Diseases Spread?
If you’re thinking, “I’ve never touched a rat in my life, so I’m safe, right?” it’s not always true. These clever creatures have more than one way to spread illness. They can transmit diseases through:
- Direct contact (bites or scratches)
- Indirect contact with their urine or feces
- Contamination of food or water
- Parasites like ticks, fleas, or mites that live on the rodents or in their nests
Exterminate Rat Infestations With Professional Help
Taking swift action is key to protecting your health and your home, and that’s where we come in. Local rodent control experts, like us at Loyal Termite & Pest Control, specialize in safely and effectively removing rats and mice from your property. We’ll make sure these unwanted visitors don’t make a return appearance, giving you peace of mind and a healthier living environment.
What Diseases Do Rats Carry in Virginia in Virginia?
Serving the Henrico and Richmond VA area since 1960