Dangers of Rodents in Iowa

We all know rodents are a gross sight to behold, but are they dangerous? Rodents are especially prevalent during the wintertime when they enter buildings to escape the cold temperatures. No one wants rats or mice in their home, especially since they populate quickly and can cause serious damage to your property.

The real concern is that these pests can spread diseases and cause serious property damage once inside.

Illnesses transmitted by rats and mice

Rodents and their droppings are known to spread bacteria, contaminate food, and even trigger allergic reactions in humans. In serious cases, they have been reported to transmit a number of dangerous illnesses, including:

1. Hantavirus 
   • Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by rodents, especially the white-footed deer mouse. 
   • Victims become infected through exposure of infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Chances increase when people are near spaces where rodents are actively living. 
   • Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems, all of which should be addressed by a medical professional.
2. Bubonic Plague
   • Also known as the “Black Death”, the Plague is a highly contagious and often deadly disease notorious for killing one-third of the European population during the Middle Ages. 
   • This is usually spread by the bite of an infected rodent flea and can cause fever, headache, and painfully swollen lymph nodes.
3. Salmonellosis
   • Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning spread by rodent feces, especially through the consumption of contaminated food. 
   • Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. 
4. Rat-Bite Fever 
   • Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a potentially fatal infectious disease spread by infected rodents or the consumption of food contaminated by rodents. 
   • The CDC says that symptoms usually occur 3-10 days after exposure to an infected source and include fever, vomiting, headaches, rash, and muscle pain.

Reliable rodent control and prevention

While getting sick from a rodent infestation is rare, it can be prevented by keeping rodents out of your property. In addition to health risks, rodents can pose a significant property risk. This is because they have a tendency to destroy insulation in attics and can chew through walls, cardboard, wood, and even electrical wiring. At Springer, our IPM practices work to keep rats and mice out of your home year-round, protecting you from the disease and damage they may cause.