Introduction
When dealing with rat infestations, understanding how to safely remove and clean rat droppings is crucial to maintaining a healthy environment. This guide covers important aspects, including nesting habits, associated diseases, proper cleaning methods, and potential health risks
- Where do rats nest?
- What diseases do rats carry that could affect humans?
- How do I properly remove rat droppings?
- Can I get sick from cleaning up rat droppings?
- What are the dangers of a rat?
- What happens if I get bitten by a rat?
Where do rats nest?
Different species of rats prefer different nesting locations. Roof Rats typically prefer to nest in higher locations, such as ceilings and attics while Norway Rats prefer to nest in lower locations that can include ground burrows and wall voids. If you spot a rodent hole, make sure to follow the key steps in sealing it correctly.
What diseases do rats carry that could affect humans?
According to the US Center for Disease Control, rodents can directly transmit the following diseases to humans:
-
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
- Lassa Fever
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic Chorio-menengitis (LCM)
- Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
- Plague
- Rat-bite Fever
- Salmonellosis
- South American Arenaviruses
- Tularemia
How do I properly remove rat droppings?
Proper removal of rat droppings is crucial to avoid health risks. Here is a step-by-step process:
- Suit Up: Wear rubber gloves and a face mask. If there are many droppings, use a fitted respirator.
- Sterilize: Use a spray disinfectant or a mix of one-part bleach with one-part water to sterilize the area. Let it soak for five minutes to ensure the droppings are wet before removal.
- Throw It Out: Use a paper towel to pick up the droppings and dispose of them in a trash can. Disinfect the area again after removing the droppings.
- Clean Your Hands: After cleaning, remove your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Here is our step-by-step process, plus the materials you need to safely remove and clean rat droppings from your home or commercial building.
Can I get sick from cleaning up rat droppings?
Yes. It is very important to clean up any rat droppings properly. Disturbing dried rat feces can cause pathogens to aerosolize and enter the body via airways.
What are the dangers of a rat?
Amongst the many health concerns listed above you should also be aware of potential health risks related to ticks, mites, or fleas that may be carried by rodents. Rats can also cause significant physical destruction to both property and food. Rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels have been known to chew on electric wires, which can lead to fires.
What happens if I get bitten by a rat?
Rats have large teeth and when threatened can bite. If you are bitten by a rat you should consult with a medical professional right away as well as cleaning and disinfecting the bite area. Rat saliva can carry pathogens that can cause diseases such as leptospirosis.
For professional rat control in your home or business, contact Orkin Canada today.
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