RODENT DANGERS

 

RODENTS AS DISEASE VEHICLES

In the past century alone, more than 10 million people have died from rodent-borne diseases.  Although rodents are not major threats to our everyday health, it is justified to be concerned over the potential for rodents to transmit diseases. By their very nature and design, rodents make excellent “vehicles” for harboring and rapidly transporting diseases.

 

Co-Existence with Humans & Investigative Behavior
Rodents are well adapted to living with or in close proximity to humans.  They and their parasites share our homes. They nest and sleep in the furniture where we relax, sleep, and store our clothing – and we don’t even realize it.  Obviously, we are quite vulnerable to the potential spread of any pathogens carried by rodents. 

Transporters of Pathogens & Parasites
Rodents harbor a wide range of parasites such as mites and ticks that carry lethal pathogens. Even without parasites, rodents can directly transmit deadly germs excreted in their urine and feces.
Rodent 101 - tick - Rodent Dangers - Rodent Control - Mouse in Lab

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
Rodents fly with us, drive with us, and live on the ships, buses, and such that transport us and our food around the globe. A hitchhiking rodent with its hitchhiking parasites and pathogens can go from one end of the planet to another in the time it takes to fly aboard our super jets.

Bodily Excretion
In one week’s time rodents produce hundreds of fecal pellets and deposit urine in thousands of areas. The pathogens may also be deposited via saliva and blood spewed during rodent fights. Finally, rodents shed their hair daily and lose an entire coat twice a year.  In this way, millions of rodent hairs and hair fragments, possibly containing pathogens, are also deposited into our environment.

Rodent 101 - Deer Mouse Babies - Rodent Dangers - Rodent Control - Mouse in Lab
Prolific Breeders
Inside our buildings where food, water, and harborage are readily available, rodents can breed prolifically.  This results in tens or hundreds of rodents living and moving about in our homes. Disease organisms present within these populations can spread rapidly to infect areas, people, and pets.



Lyme Disease 


Description:

Skin lesions, fever, headaches, arthralgias

Carrier:

All rodents; most commonly deer mice

Mode of Transmission:

Rodent tick bite

Comments:

This is the most common and widespread tick-borne disease in the U.S.

 









Salmonella (Food Poisoning)


Description:

Causes intestinal disorders

Carrier:

Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission:

Rodent feces contamination

Comments:

The World Health Organization estimates that 20% of food is destroyed or contaminated every year by rodents

 







Rodent 101 - Droppings - Rodent Dangers - Rodent Control - Mouse in Lab



Rat-Bite Fever


Description:

Relapsing fever that may last several months

Carrier:

Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission:

Bacteria in mouth and nose of rodent, transmitted via bite or scratch

Comments:

Occurs worldwide, but is most common in Asia








Hantavirus


Description:

Flu-like symptoms, renal failure, severe respiratory distress

Carrier:

Various rodents; primarily deer mice

Mode of Transmission:

In feces, urine, body fluids

Comments:

HV outbreak in 1994 resulted in more than 50 death in 17 states.  At least 7 different strains of HV have been identified











Typhus


Description:

Fever, headache, rash, respiratory attack
Rodent 101 - Flea - Rodent Dangers - Rodent Control - Mouse in Lab

Carrier:

Rats, Mice

Mode of Transmission:

Rat flea bite

Comments:

Port cities or riverine environments, often serve as havens for rats harboring fleas.











Plague


Description:

Attacks circulatory & respiratory systems

Carrier:

Various rodents

Mode of Transmission:

Rodent flea bite or by handling an infected animal

Comments:

Millions of people in Europe died from plague in the Middle Ages; Plague still occurs in many parts of the world











Pox (Rickettsial)



Description:

Lesion followed by fever, headache, rash

Carrier:

House Mouse

Mode of Transmission:

Bite of a mite which lives on mice


Comments:

An outbreak of this disease occurred in 1946 in housing developments in New York City which were overrun with mite-infested mice




Population Control
Rodent infestations should be controlled with the use of multiple solutions including traps and rodenticide baits.  Preventative control is also an important aspect.

Be sure to rodent-proof your home, blocking any access that is larger than the size of a dime.  All sources of food and water should be eliminated.  Proper yard management should be practiced to limit outdoor harborages, including the elevation of woodpiles and garbage cans at least 1 foot off the ground. 

Carcass Disposal
Water-resistant gloves should always be worn when removing deceased rodents.  Rodents should either be burned or placed in well-sealed plastic bags. 

Clean-up Efforts
When you begin cleaning, it is important that you do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming up droppings or urine. Also be sure to open windows to properly ventilate the area. Mix 1 part bleach with 8 parts water. Wear water-resistant gloves and disinfect the area with the solution. Under no circumstances should you ever come in direct contact with rodent droppings. 

Avoid Outdoor Contact
Avoid rodent burrows and do not disturb dens.  If camping, do not pitch tents near rodent burrows or if you see other signs of feces.  Do not sleep on the bare ground - it is best to be at least 1 foot off the ground.  Keep all food in containers, and bury garbage to prevent rodents from investigating the area in search of food.

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