Rat Bacteria & Rat Bite: Treatment And Prevention

Interesting Facts About Rats

For this segment, we will be tackling the physiological dangers caused by rats. Some parents take the infestation of these creatures for granted. Little do they know the peril they bring to our home.  The rat is considered one of the most destructive pests of all time. It is known to bore holes in walls, gnaw on food packaging, and destroy belongings. Did you know that rats are also responsible for some house fires in the United States? These creatures gnaw on literally anything.

Rats are omnivores that can live up to 2 to 3 years in normal conditions. Their average body size is 25 centimeters with a  tail that grows up to 20 centimeters. The average weight of female rats is 350-450 grams. Male rats are heavier with an average weight of 450-650 grams. These creatures are very adaptable. They can thrive in any environment provided they have access to adequate food and water.  To get to know rats even more, here are some facts that you need to know. 

1. Their teeth never stop growing. This is one of the most fascinating facts when about rats. The main reason why they never stopped gnawing is and their need to stimulate the growth of their teeth. It's the same process as helping an infant develop his or her teeth by giving the baby something sanitary to chew on. 

2. Rats reproduce quickly.  Having one or two rats infest your home can lead to a serious infestation. In one year, a female rat can breed at least 4 times. In one litter, there are at least 6 to 12 baby rats.  These creatures reach their sexual maturity at about 4 to 5 weeks old. Gestation time can take up to 21 to 23 days. After birth, a female rat needs about two months to recover before it mates again. Imagine how fast rats can reproduce in just one month.  Before you know it, you might be facing a full-blown infestation which is difficult to control. 

3. They have excellent navigation routines. Rats know that nooks and crannies of our entire home.  They know exactly where to hide. They know the places to avoid. In just one round, a rat can create a mental blueprint the whole perimeter of the house, including potential hiding spots, and potential food sources.

4. A rat's tail is responsible for regulating their body temperature. A rat cannot live without its tail. When a cat or dog accidentally rip the tail off its body,  it starts to weaken and eventually die. 

5. Rats are the human shadows. Entomologists agree that rats are considered the human shadows because they are most active at night when humans are asleep. This is the time and they forage food, look for potential shelter, and cause damage to our belongings.  This is also the reason why we only hear them gnaw and scratch at night. This is one of the worst nuisances that pests can bring to households. 

6. Rats laugh when they play or when they are happy.  According to scientists, rats can be emotional just like human beings.  When they play with each other, they chatter and grind their teeth. When they are excited about a potential food source or when they are happy about their new environment, they are observed to do the same.

7. They have excellent memory span.  This goes hand in hand with their strong navigational capabilities. It is almost impossible for them to forget their mental blueprint of a house they already infested. So, even if they have been gone for a long time, they can return as if they never left. 

8. Rats have a strong sense of compassion for other rats.  This might come as a shock but rats can be compassionate to other animals as well.  Entomologists have studied the behavior of rats in groups and they found that rats take care of each other especially those who are injured and sick. They have the habit to tend to their comrades in need. 

9. They can feel depressed when alone. Rats display physical and emotional strength in numbers. I did not know that these creatures can be as depressed as human beings.  They can get lonely and frustrated as much as we can. 

10. Rats have a strong capability to conform. Did you know that rats succumb to peer pressure?  They often disregard their personal experiences to conform or adapt to the behavior of their newfound peers. A rat's urge to conform is so strong that it quickly adapts to a pack mentality. Even if a certain food is unpalatable, if it means conforming to the others, the rat will most likely eat it. 

Diseases From Rats

Rats are very hardworking yet shy creatures. We understand the need to fend for your own needs. Knowing how sensitive rats can be, it does not make up for the fact that they can destroy our homes and cause diseases to the family. As proof, here are some of the lethal diseases brought by rodents. 

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome - This is acquired through breathing dust particles that are contaminated with rodent urine or feces. This is a severe respiratory disorder with the following symptoms: fatigue, fever, muscle aches, dizziness, chills, abdominal pain, and many more. 

• Leptospirosis - This is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. Without any treatment, Leptospirosis leads to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death. The early signs of Leptospirosis are the following: high fever, headache, muscle aches, jaundice, rashes, and diarrhea. Without immediate treatment, the person affected could face more serious consequences. 

• Salmonellosis - According to the CDC, salmonella causes around 1.2 million illnesses. 23,000 of whom were hospitalized. 450 of these people died in the United States every year. Usually, a person with salmonella experiences diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps for up to 72 hours. In some cases, the symptoms of salmonellosis can be so severe to the point of hospitalization. 

• Tularemia - This is a very infectious disease that attacks the human skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs. Tularemia from rats can be acquired from inhaling or ingesting contaminated substances. Humans can also be infected by getting in contact with infected rodents. Tularemia can be very hard to diagnose. Its symptoms a reason the mistaken for other common illnesses.  

For this reason, it is important to take precautionary measures to avoid acquiring the disease. Do not clean rat carcasses using your bare hands. Use a dustpan or a shovel to move and bury it. Wear protective masks and gloves in the process. It also helps to ensure sanitation around you. Never ingest water or food if you're not sure that it is clean. 

Rat-Bite Fever

Did you know that a rat bite can cause several diseases such as rat-bite fever? Rat bites cause the Streptobacillus moniliformis that can be fatal to human health. 20% of the untreated cases of this bacteria lead to malignant endocarditis, meningoencephalitis, and septic shock. Which is why it is important to apply first aid the moment a rat bite pierces the skin. The initial symptoms of this disease are fever, headaches, vomiting, rashes, and body pain. As a first-aid treatment for rat bite, the primary thing to do is to control the bleeding. Remember to clean it with soap and lukewarm water. Afterward, apply ointment.

There are instances when a rat bite causes infection to the skin. You need to watch out for signs such as redness, swelling, heat, and pus. If you observe these symptoms, it is best to go to the doctor immediately. Usually, Amoxicillin and Penicillin are prescribed as an antibacterial. In some cases, the doctors will recommend an immediate immunization for rabies and tetanus. Although the transmission of rabies from rodents to humans is extremely rare, you can never know for sure. It's always best to do the necessary measures for prevention rather than cure.

There are a lot of unexpected situations in this world that can harm your loved ones. Which is why it is important to prevent the infestation of rats before it is too late. Block all possible passageways of these insects and avoid giving them temptation into entering your home. Keep your surroundings clean and tidy to avoid rats and other rodents to cause harm. 

Call The Professionals

As non-experts, it is important to ask for assistance from experts. Call for your local exterminator near Mooresville, NC. Lake Norman Pest Control has been providing high-quality service for over 50 years. The company dedicates itself to safety, excellence, and customer satisfaction. All of the clients in North Carolina have always been satisfied and happy with their work. 

At Lake Norman Pest Control, the experts pride themselves in using proven and tested methods for pest control. All of which is environmental-friendly. The company offers a basic service plan that covers the entire home, eliminating all kinds of insects using highly-efficient measures. Having trouble dealing with a pest infestation? There is no company better to call than Lake Norman Pest Control - The company that saves and protects.