Prevalent Issues You Might Face Because Of A Rodent Infestation In Your Home

If you have not dealt with a rodent infestation problem before, you may not fully understand how harmful these pests can be. For example, you might notice signs of an infestation, like foul smells, droppings on certain surfaces, or gnaw marks, and figure that you can deal with the issue yourself. The reality, however, is that rats and mice in your home can cause serious problems. Moreover, these pesky pests reproduce quickly, so the issues have the potential to worsen exponentially if you don't seek residential pest control assistance. Here are common problems associated with rodent infestations.

Property Damage

When rats and mice infest a property, they cause significant damage if they aren't eliminated quickly. They use their sharp teeth to chew through anything they encounter. For instance, they can create holes in your roof's underlying material, resulting in water leaking into the ceiling and walls. These leaks lead to wood rot and promote mold growth if not resolved.

In other cases, rodents can eat at your electrical wiring, cardboard boxes, furniture, etc., while looking for materials with which to construct nests. If they gnaw on your wiring or electronics, the chances of an electrical fire increase. Besides this, you may spend a lot of money to replace or repair the electrical system, devices, furniture, and other damaged items.

Infections

Another reason you mustn't overlook an infestation is that it may lead to various illnesses. Rodents typically spread dirt and viruses throughout the residence. This is why you must throw out any food materials they have had access to. They can also contaminate kitchen surfaces and cookware, increasing the probability of household members getting sick.

Some severe illnesses these pests spread include leptospirosis, salmonellosis, hantavirus, plague, and tularemia. Each of these conditions spreads through the consumption of contaminated meals, coming into contact with the rodents' urine or droppings, or when dangerous particulates are circulated via the AC system. Because these conditions are serious, you should seek medical assistance immediately if you suspect an infection.

Constant Irritating Sounds

In addition to impacting your well-being and causing property damage, the presence of rodents also interferes with your peace of mind. For example, the noises they make while chewing, rustling, or bumping into items are disruptive and unsettling. Keep in mind that they like to move around a lot during the night, so you're more likely to hear these irritating sounds when you want to sleep. No one desires to listen to annoying sounds when trying to rest, especially not from mice and rats.

As you can see, allowing rodents to stay in your home for a day longer not only puts everyone's health at risk but also causes property damage and disturbing noises. So, hire a rodent control service immediately if you notice signs of an infestation.

Contact a residential pest control company to learn more.