Close up of rat chewing on wire in home.

Rodents are one of the most concerning pest problems we face here in Lubbock TX. In our region, both mice and rats can be active year-round, making them a constant threat to home and business owners.

Not only do rodents cause a mess on your property, but they can also be downright hazardous due to their droppings, ability to contaminate surfaces, and even spread dangerous diseases. By understanding the real threats of dealing with a rodent problem, you can better prepare by learning to avoid a rodent problem in the first place.

Read on to learn everything you need to know with the rodent control experts at Bug Out.

Structural Damage Caused By Rats & Mice

Rats and mice can wreak havoc on your property with their nesting and chewing habits. These pests aren’t picky and can create a mess digging through your garbage. Additionally, rats have incisors that never stop growing… meaning they never stop chewing!

One of the most dangerous things a rat can (and will) chew on are electrical wires. Needless to say, exposed wires can become a fire hazard. Additionally, rats and mice will tear up any type of material to create nests.

If you have rodents on your property, you can be sure you’ll have a lot of cleanup to take care of in their wake. This is very hazardous and is always best left to the expertise of a professional rodent exterminator.

What Diseases Are Spread By Rodents?

In Texas and all around the world, there are a number of serious illnesses and health risks tied back to the presence of rodents. These pathogens can be spread directly or indirectly. Mice-borne diseases are spread directly to humans through contact with droppings, saliva, and bites. They are transmitted indirectly through ticks, fleas, and mites.

The three main rodent-borne diseases to be aware of include:

Hantavirus

Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches and pains. In serious cases or when it is not treated, it can lead to shortness of breath and kidney failure.

Salmonella

When rats and mice walk over surfaces, they are tracking dirt and bacteria across other food surfaces. Salmonella, commonly referred to as food poisoning, can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and worse.

Rat-Bite Fever

Also known as Streptobacillus, rat-bite fever is usually caused by a bite or scratch from an infected rat. It is also caught by handling infected animals and ingesting food or drink contaminated with the rat’s feces or urine.

Want to Protect Your Property From the Dangers of Rodents?

If you notice the presence of rats or mice inside your property, it’s time to call a rodent exterminator. At Bug Out, our rat and mouse exterminators have the experience needed to properly get rid of infestations and ensure you are protected from future rodent problems. Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your property safe from the dangers of rodents year-round.

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