Rats Vs. Humans

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Rats are often a popular choice of pet for children, but this is usually one or two that are kept in a cage under strict conditions. In the outside world, and free to live as they choose, rats can become a major problem for humans, carrying disease, parasites and causing damage to homes and vehicles. Rats are nocturnal so they will usually only be seen at night, unless they are very hungry or are present in large numbers.

Health Risks

Rats pose major health risks to the community because they are carriers of many diseases including typhoid fever, the plague, dysentery and leptospirosis. Their presence can assist transmission of these diseases to humans, which makes them a worrying pest if they are found around the home.

Fleas, Lice and Ticks

Some rats carry fleas, lice and ticks that can be passed on to the family pets and humans. Fleas and lice can get into carpets and other textiles, thus causing an infestation that can be extremely irritating to humans. Ticks can be carriers of Lyme disease, which can make humans very sick over time. Ridding a home of fleas and lice can be a troublesome exercise, which should be left to a professional such as Best 1 Cleaning and Pest Management.

Contamination

Rat hair and excrement can contaminate food and utensils, causing food poisoning, which can be a very costly for businesses that are engaged in commercial food preparation. Colonies of rats create a terrible smell and will damage buildings and their furnishings in no time at all.

Damage

Rats are known for their gnawing, and can cause a lot of damage to buildings and cars as they chew through pipes, conduits and wiring. Wiring that has been chewed by rats can cause electrical fires, making them a dangerous animal to have around. They can be spotted by their droppings (12-18mm long), bite marks on fruit and vegetables, and squeaking or scraping noises in the walls. If you think you might have a rat problem it might be time to call in Best 1 Cleaning and Pest Management – Brisbane Pest Control, to get rid of the pests and to clean up the mess.