closeup of Texas rat outside

Key Takeaways

  • Rodent infestations can spread dangerous diseases like Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Rat-Bite Fever through droppings, urine, bites, and contaminated surfaces.
  • Rodents constantly gnaw on electrical wiring, wood, insulation, and plumbing, creating fire hazards and compromising your home’s integrity.
  • All common rodent species in the Lubbock TX area can threaten your property and family’s well-being.
  • Even deceased rats and mice can harbor disease-causing pathogens and parasites that may spread to humans and pets.
  • Due to the many dangers of having rats in your home, safe removal and prevention are best handled by experienced rodent exterminators.

Rodent infestations are among the most serious pest problems homeowners and business owners face here in Lubbock TX and across the South Plains. From contaminated surfaces and hazardous droppings to the spread of serious diseases, rodent infestations pose real health and safety risks to Texas families.ย 

Whether you’re dealing with Norway rats, roof rats, or common house mice, these unwelcome visitors remain active throughout much of the year in our region. This makes them a persistent threat to your property and well-being.

Structural Damage Caused By Rats & Mice

These pests will dig through garbage, tear into stored food, and create chaos wherever they nest.

Rats have incisors that never stop growing, which means they never stop chewing. This relentless gnawing behavior allows them to damage:

  • Electrical wiring: One of the most dangerous things a rat can chew on is your home’s electrical system. Exposed wires create serious fire hazards, putting your entire household at risk.
  • Wooden structures: Beams, joists, and framing can all fall victim to rodent teeth, compromising your home’s structural integrity over time.
  • Insulation & drywall: Rats and mice tear up these materials to build nests, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and creating unsightly damage.
  • Plumbing & PVC pipes: In severe cases, rodent chewing can even lead to water damage and leaks.

If you have rodents on your property, you can also expect significant cleanup in their wake. Contaminated insulation, damaged belongings, and accumulations of droppings and urine make this work both unpleasant and hazardous.ย 

For your safety, this type of cleanup is always best left to a professional rodent exterminator who has the proper equipment and training.

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What Diseases Are Spread By Rodents?

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is most commonly associated with deer mice and is primarily found in their urine, droppings, and nesting materials. Early symptoms include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Fatigue and dizziness

When left untreated, hantavirus can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), causing severe shortness of breath and potentially kidney failure.ย 

Salmonella

When rats and mice scurry across your countertops, pantry shelves, and food preparation surfaces, they track bacteria, dirt, and fecal matter everywhere they go.

Salmonella can cause:

  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever

For young children, elderly family members, and those with compromised immune systems, salmonella can become especially serious.

Rat-Bite Fever

Also known as Streptobacillus infection, rat-bite fever is typically caused by:

  • A bite or scratch from an infected rat
  • Handling infected rodents (dead or alive)
  • Consuming food or beverages contaminated with rat feces or urine

Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and vomiting. Without proper treatment, rat-bite fever can lead to serious complications.

How Rodent-Borne Diseases Spread

Diseases can be transmitted both directly and indirectly:

  • Direct transmission occurs through contact with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or bites.
  • Indirect transmission happens when parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites that have fed on infected rodents then bite humans.

Is a Dead Rat Dangerous?

The short answer is yes, dead rodents still pose significant health risks. Even after death, rodents can harbor:

  • Disease-causing bacteria and viruses
  • Parasites like fleas and mites that may seek new hosts (including you and your pets)
  • Harmful pathogens in their fur, skin, and bodily fluids

Additionally, decomposing rodents create foul odors that can permeate your home and attract other pests. If you discover a dead rat or mouse on your property, avoid handling it with bare hands and contact a professional for safe removal and sanitation.

Protect Your Lubbock TX Home

If you’ve noticed signs of rats or mice inside your Lubbock TX property (such as droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, or an unusual musty odor), it’s time to call a professional rodent exterminator.

At Bug Out, our experienced rat and mouse exterminators understand the unique challenges that Texas homeowners face when dealing with rodent infestations. Our goal is simple: to keep you, your family, and your property safe from the many dangers of rodents all year long.

So don’t let a rodent problem put your home and health at risk. Contact Bug Out today to get started with a free service quote!

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