Let’s talk about the potential problems rodents can cause in a home. Rodents can cause a lot of damage to furniture and other items in a home and to the structure itself. They are avid chewers who need to gnaw on things to keep the length of their teeth manageable. Rodents are known to chew insulation, siding, walls, floors, ceilings, and window and door frames, as well as structural beams. They chew everything in sight including pipes for plumbing and wires for electricity, that can cause water damage and fires that can ruin a home completely. They can also carry a variety of dangerous diseases that are harmful to humans and pets. These diseases are caused by rodent urine and feces, or by direct contact with a rodent, or by rodents carrying parasites into a home. Some of these diseases can be extremely harmful and even life-threatening.
Rodents are known to cause the Hantavirus which can affect a person's respiratory system. Symptoms include fever, chills, and vomiting, which can worsen into fluid accumulation in the lungs. They can also cause lymphocytic choriomeningitis, which may not cause any symptoms but could cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, and nausea. Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps that can lead to severe dehydration. Rat-bite fever is from a rodent bite that can cause fever, rash, headache, and joint pain. Sometimes it may cause the bite wound to develop ulcers. Rodents can bring ticks and fleas into a home, these parasites can cause infections or much worse illnesses like babesiosis, and anaplasmosis, both of which can cause lifelong debilitating symptoms if not treated early.
Rodents are clever little Houdini's that can find a way into your home through holes as small as a dime. They can reproduce rapidly, just a few rodents can turn into a full-blown infestation before you even know you have a problem. And, they are hard to get rid of and keep out. Most commonly rodents are seeking warmth, food, and water. Food is high on their priority list, so to prevent rodents from infesting your home, you should keep all food items stored in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids. Food and drink spills should be cleaned up right away, including any crumbs. Trash should be taken out regularly and stored in bins with secure lids. Seal up holes that rodents can get through or areas where they may chew their way into your home. If you hear a rodent roaming or scurrying around in your walls or ceiling, or find droppings or food items torn into, you should contact a professional pest control company right away.
In New England you can count on the knowledgeable staff at Big Blue Bug Solutions to effectively eradicate your rodent infestations promptly, keeping you and your family's best health in mind. We are experienced in locating and repairing rodent entry points. You typically cannot get rid of and prevent rodents on your own, Big Blue Bug Solutions is here for you, give us a call today.