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Are Mice & Rats Dangerous?

Rats and mice might seem like harmless little pests, but when they invade your space, they’re a disaster waiting to happen. Their knack for chewing and nesting can ruin your property, and they’re known for transmitting potentially dangerous diseases.

Are mice dangerous in Georgia - Active Pest Control

Health Risks Associated with Mice & Rats

What Diseases Do Mice & Rats Carry?

Mice and rats are known carriers of diseases that can have serious health implications for humans. Here are some of the most common diseases associated with these pests:

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a severe respiratory disease primarily spread through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, progressing to severe respiratory issues. It is particularly concerning for those living where deer mice are prevalent.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, including rats. It can lead to flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, liver and kidney damage. Exposure often occurs through contact with contaminated water or soil.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that can contaminate food and water through rodent droppings. Ingesting contaminated food can result in salmonellosis, which causes gastrointestinal distress, including fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Can Mice & Rats Cause Allergies & Asthma?

Exposure to mouse and rat droppings and urine can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms. The allergens in their feces and urine can become airborne, causing respiratory issues for sensitive individuals.

Contamination of Food & Water

Since they’re scavengers, rodents aren’t the cleanest critters. They may walk through trash or sewers before walking on your countertops or accessing your food storage areas, which puts you at risk of contracting all sorts of bacteria or diseases. Their droppings and urine can contaminate food and water sources, leading to food poisoning and other illnesses. It’s essential to keep all food items properly stored in airtight containers and to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately to avoid attracting these unwanted pests.

Do Mice & Rats Bite?

While mice and rats are generally timid creatures, they can bite if threatened or cornered. A rodent bite can lead to severe infections, especially if bacteria from their saliva enter the wound.

Can Mice & Rats Damage Your House?

Yes, that can cause significant damage to your property. Though rats and mice are different, a lot of their behaviors lead to the same types of damage. Whether you own a home or a business in Georgia, rodents are the last thing you want to deal with. Their habit of chewing, crawling through food, and building nests can all lead to expensive and unsightly damage. 

Rats and mice have to gnaw on hard objects to grind down their ever-growing teeth. They’ll chew on nearly anything, including your home’s foundation, insulation, or electrical wires. 

Chewing on Wires & Insulation

One of the most concerning dangers of a rodent infestation is their propensity to chew on electrical wiring and insulation. This behavior leads to costly repairs and poses a severe risk of house fires. Damaged wiring can short-circuit and ignite, creating hazardous conditions in your home

Why Do Rats Chew Wires?

Many people are shocked to learn that rodents frequently spark fires. Rats and mice will gnaw on almost anything, either to grind down their teeth or to procure materials to use for their nests. While wandering through your interior walls, they may even chew on your electrical wires. If they manage to strip the insulation off of the wire, you’re at risk of experiencing an electrical fire. 

Nesting in Walls & Attics

Rodents often seek refuge in warm, dark places, like attics and walls. They gather nesting materials from insulation, fabric, and other sources, which can create blockages and additional fire hazards. A rodent nest in your attic can lead to further infestations and property damage.

Damage to Personal Belongings

Rodents may also chew on and damage personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and books. They always look for suitable nesting material, from paperwork to old fabric scraps. It doesn’t take them long to ruin or contaminate your belongings, leaving behind shredded fabrics, chewed-up papers, and droppings that pose health risks.

Psychological Impact of a Rodent Infestation

The presence of rodents in your home poses more than health and safety risks—it can also seriously damage your mental well-being. The uncertainty and stress that come with a rodent infestation can make your home feel uncomfortable and unsafe, leading to psychological stress, anxiety, and even disruption of daily life.

Stress and Anxiety

Discovering a rodent infestation is often a highly stressful experience. The constant worry about potential health risks, such as exposure to diseases like Hantavirus or leptospirosis, can weigh heavily on your mind. Additionally, the knowledge that rodents are actively chewing through your home’s materials—electrical wiring, insulation, or personal belongings—creates a sense of helplessness and frustration. Over time, this stress can affect your mental health, leaving you anxious and preoccupied with the dangers these pests present.

Sleep Disruption

Rodents are most active at night, and the sound of scratching, gnawing, and scurrying in the walls or attic can easily disrupt your sleep. The fear of hearing these noises and the anxiety about what damage they may be causing while you’re asleep can result in restless nights. Poor sleep only adds to the stress of the situation, impacting your overall well-being and ability to focus during the day.

Regaining Peace of Mind

If you find managing a mouse or rat problem challenging, remember that you don’t have to go through this stressful situation alone. Our professional rodent pest control experts are just a call away, ready to help you regain control of your home. Our highly trained rodent experts will thoroughly inspect your property and provide long-term treatment solutions and prevention strategies to rid your property of rodents for good.

Risks of Ignoring a Mice or Rat Infestation

Ignoring the signs of a rodent problem may be tempting, but the longer you delay action, the more severe the consequences can become. Rodents don’t go away on their own, and what may seem like a minor issue can quickly escalate into a significant infestation, posing health, safety, and financial risks.

Rapid Reproduction

Rodents breed quickly, and a small infestation can quickly become much larger and harder to control. A pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring within a year, making the problem more difficult and expensive to deal with the longer it’s ignored.

Increased Health & Safety Risks Over Time

As the rodent population increases, so do the associated health risks. Mice and rats can spread dangerous diseases through their droppings and urine. Additionally, they can cause structural damage by chewing on electrical wiring, increasing the risk of house fires. Ignoring the issue can lead to more significant health concerns, safety risks, and costly repairs.

How to Safely Address a Mice or Rat Infestation

Addressing a rodent infestation requires more than eliminating the current problem; it’s about taking a proactive approach to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Effective pest control involves immediate action to protect your home from future infestations.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Infestations

To prevent rodents from entering your home, it’s essential to seal all potential entry points, as these pests can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch. Thoroughly inspect your home for gaps around doors and windows, cracks in the foundation, and crevices near utility lines or pipes, as even the tiniest openings can become rodent gateways.

Maintaining cleanliness is another key strategy. Rodents are attracted to food sources, so store food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and regularly dispose of garbage. Areas like the kitchen, pantry, and pet food storage should be given extra attention, as they are prime targets for rodents.

Reducing clutter inside and outside your home also helps deter rodents by eliminating potential nesting sites. Focus on decluttering storage areas like attics, garages, and basements while keeping your yard tidy by removing debris, trimming bushes, and storing firewood at least 20 feet from the house.

Finally, regular inspections are crucial for ongoing prevention. Whether done by yourself or a professional, inspecting your home for signs of rodent activity—such as droppings, gnaw marks, or strange odors—can help detect early infestations, especially in high-risk areas like attics, basements, and walls. Staying vigilant ensures that any rodent problem is caught and addressed early.

Need Help with Rodent Control in Your Georgia Home?

Because rodents threaten your health and property, they are considered among the most dangerous pests in the Georgia area. If you are dealing with rats or mice and want to protect your property long-term, turn to the experts at Active Pest Control! Since 1985, our licensed team has provided reliable rodent pest control services that eliminate the infestation and prevent it from returning. Reach out today to get started!

Are Mice & Rats Dangerous in Georgia?

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