If you’ve ever had a rodent infestation, you know how alarming and uncomfortable it can be. The thought of unwelcome critters scurrying around your home is pretty unpleasant. Plus, you may even be hearing unsettling noises, like thumping, scratching and squeaking that can make anyone’s stomach turn. Beyond the discomfort of knowing you have rodents in your home, the consequences of an infestation can be great. Read on to learn about five risks of rodent infestations and how the Omaha rodent control experts at Pro-Staff can help.
1. They Spread Diseases
It’s no secret that rodents can pose significant risks to your health. They often spread diseases, like hantavirus and salmonellosis, either by direct contact or, more commonly, indirectly through their feces, urine or saliva. Coming into contact with contaminated food sources or breathing in virus particles are common ways people contract disease from rodents. If handled, they can also bite or scratch and spread diseases that way.
2. They Can Exacerbate Asthma and Allergies
Often overshadowed by the risk of diseases, exacerbated asthma and allergies are another risk of rodent infestations. People with allergies may notice worsened symptoms due to the inhalation of allergens from dander, droppings and urine. These same airborne allergens can also lead to more frequent asthma attacks. Rodent infestations that are left unchecked often result in poor air quality, causing respiratory conditions to arise or existing ones to worsen.
3. They Cause Property Damage
Rodents are infamous for the property damage they cause. The big thing they do is gnaw on various building materials, including structural components of the home and insulation. They do this for a few reasons. The first is that they use these materials to build their nests. The second is that they’re clearing obstructions to food, water and shelter. And the third is that it’s natural dental maintenance for them.
Regardless of why rodents gnaw, it all results in the same thing: damage to your home and personal items. Their habit of destroying structural components, like wooden beams and drywall, as well as the insulation in your home, can quickly become a safety issue and an expensive problem to fix.
4. They Can Pose Fire Hazards
Along with chewing the structural components of your home, rodents also gnaw on electrical wires. The reasoning behind it is the same, but the consequences come with an added layer of risk. When rodents gnaw on electrical wiring, the protective layer is removed, and the live wires are exposed. Not only can this lead to power outages and short circuits, but it can also pose an electrical fire risk. Depending on the severity of the infestation and how badly the wires are damaged, fixing your electrical system can be a huge expense.
5. An Infestation Can Take a Toll on Your Mental Health
One of the often-overlooked risks of a rodent infestation is the toll it can take on a person’s mental health. Knowing you have rodents in your home and being unsure of how to get rid of them is already uncomfortable enough, but thinking about the risks they pose adds a layer of stress. Many people become uncomfortable in their own homes, and this can lead to a slew of problems, including constant worrying or a lack of sleep. Depending on the extent or length of the infestation, these mental health effects can begin to impact your daily life.
For the Pro-Staff team, there’s nothing more important to us than your family’s health, the safety of your home, and your peace of mind. Regardless of the type of rodent infestation you’re facing or the extent of it, we have the knowledge, technology and experience to eliminate it and prevent it from returning. Learn about our 9-step pest control process here or contact us online to get started.
