Rats transfer infections to people by their urine, droppings, and parasites in addition to stealing your food, chewing on your belongings, and leaving feces all over the place.

it is advisable to take it as a health hazard when you discover signs of rats in or close to your home (such as scratches, droppings, or a strong odor). Avoid allowing rodents to congregate in big numbers near your home if you don't want the germs or diseases they carry.

What ailments do rats carry?

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rats are known to transmit over 35 diseases to humans on a global scale.

Indirectly and directly are the two ways that rats spread disease. Direct transmission happens when people unintentionally handle rodents, contaminated urine, or bodily fluids. According to the CDC, these are the most prevalent diseases that are directly spread by rats:

-          Hantavirus:

A severe respiratory condition that initially causes flu-like symptoms, disorientation, and stomach issues before progressing to extremely shortness of breath

-          Leptospirosis:

A bacterial infection causes flu-like symptoms as well as jaundice and red eyes.

-          Plague:

Depending on the strain, plague causes pneumonia, necrotic tissue, swollen lymph nodes, and a quick onset of fever, chills, and weakness.

-          Rat-bite fever:

A condition marked by a high temperature, nausea, rash, headache, and bodily aches

-          Salmonellosis:

A bacterial illness that causes diarrhoea called salmonellosis

-          Tularemia:

A condition that occasionally results in chest pain, inflammation, and ulceration

Babesiosis, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus are just a few of the illnesses that a rat's spread.

How can rats be repelled from your house?

It is as easy as preventing rodents from entering your area—and it is easier than you would believe. Prevention is essential, so remove any bird seed from your yard and move wood piles far from your house. You should also clear dense vegetation away from your home's foundation. Also fill up any gaps that are at least half an inch wide.

Additionally, seal any openings that are at least half an inch wide under outside doors, in your foundation, and around your roof.

You need to get rid of your rubbish appropriately. Make sure your bin's lid is securely fastened and bag any trash, Corrigan advises. Additionally, it is beneficial to mist your trash can from time to time with a 10% bleach solution. By doing this, you can ensure that rats and mice avoid your home because they will smell bleach rather than garbage.

If you are trying to manage a rat infestation, don’t try to do it all by yourself. It is best to reach out to commercial pest control in Tacoma or any pest management professional near you who can help you keep rodents out for good.