The Microbes Olโ Ratty May Carry
Once resplendent landscapes of Australia leading to clear seas, Sydney is now filled with ticks, rats, and mosquitoes. Their effect on Public Health? Itโs certainly not benign!
Microbes Olโ Ratty โ Rodents as Disease Vectors
There are few creatures on Earth as reviled as rats. With their beady eyes, sharp teeth and scaly tails, these rodents have long been associated with filth, disease, and death. Now, new research is suggesting that rats may indeed pose a serious threat to human health โ as carriers of harmful microbes.
A recent study published in the journal Science found that rats in New York City are infected with at least nine different pathogens that can cause serious disease in humans. These include bacteria that cause Lyme disease, bubonic plague and typhus.
While itโs unlikely that you will ever catch one of these diseases from a rat, the fact that these animals are carrying them is cause for concern. It suggests that they may be spreading these diseases to other animals โ including humans.
So how did the rats become infected in the first place? Itโs likely that they picked up the bacteria from other animals they came into contact with, including mice and birds. They may also have picked up some of the bacteria from the environment, such as soil or water contaminated with sewage.
Whatever the source of the infection, itโs clear that rats are playing a role in spreading dangerous microbes around.
Are you at risk ?
Microbes Olโ Ratty โ Diseases
There are many diseases that can be passed from rats to humans, some of which are deadly. While most people think of diseases like the bubonic plague when they think of rats, there are actually many different diseases that these animals can carry. Some of the more common ones include:
Salmonella: This bacteria is commonly found in rat droppings and can cause serious gastrointestinal illness in humans.
Hantavirus: This virus is carried by rodents and can cause severe respiratory illness in humans. It is often fatal.
Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is transmitted through contact with rat urine and can cause a range of symptoms including fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage or even death.
Rat-Bite Fever: As the name suggests, this disease is transmitted through bites or scratches from rats. It can cause a high fever, muscle pain, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
Precautions Against Rodent Infestations
If you have rats or other rodents in your home, itโs important to take precautions against them. These animals can carry a number of diseases that can be harmful to humans, so itโs important to make sure youโre taking steps to avoid contact with them. Here are some tips:
- Keep food and trash securely stored so that rats canโt get to them.
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your walls or floors where rats could enter.
- Use traps or bait stations to try to catch and remove rats from your home.
- If you have pets, keep them away from areas where rats are present.
By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of coming into contact with these harmful creatures.
What is Rat Baiting and Why do it?
Rat baiting is the act of placing food or other bait in an area to attract rats. The rats are then captured or killed, usually for sport or pest control. Rat baiting has been around for centuries and was once a popular form of entertainment.
Signs of an Infestation
If you have rats in your home, there are several signs that can indicate an infestation. One of the most obvious signs is the presence of rat droppings. Rat droppings are small, dark, and pellet shaped. They are often found in areas where rats travel or congregate, such as along baseboards or in pantries.
Another sign of an infestation is the presence of gnawed food packaging or other materials. Rats are known for their tendency to gnaw on just about anything, including wood, plastic, and even metal. If you find evidence of gnawing around your home, itโs likely that rats are responsible.
You may also notice strange squeaking or scratching noises coming from within your walls or ceiling. These noises are made by rats as they move around in their nests. If you hear these noises, itโs a good indicator that you have an infestation on your hands.
How to Get Rid of Rats
If you have a rat problem, the first thing you need to do is figure out how theyโre getting into your house. Once youโve done that, you can start taking steps to get rid of them. The best way to get rid of rats is to call in a professional to help remove the rats for you.
Are you at risk ?
Further Reading
How much damage can rats and mice do to your home?
