The presence of dead rats in your home can lead to several adverse consequences that are important to take into account for the wellbeing of your household. The decay of rodents within your residence can result in unpleasant outcomes such as foul smells and the emergence of flies. These issues are not only repulsive but also pose significant risks to the health of your family. This article aims to explore the negative impacts of having dead rats in your living space.
PS: Do you need a rat control service in getting rid of dead rats? If so, contact us today! Our team will ensure that your family is safe from the health hazards that these pests produce.
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Dead Rats Will Attract Maggots and Flies
One of the most obvious and disgusting side effects of dead rats is the proliferation of maggots and flies. Maggots are the larval form of a fly, and they will feast on rotting flesh.
If you have a dead rat in your home, you can expect to see an influx of these pests. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be dangerous if they come into contact with food or drink. Flies can also spread diseases like E. coli and Salmonella, so it’s important to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
It Smells Really Bad
Rotting flesh smells bad, and that’s exactly what you’ll be dealing with if you have a dead rat in your house. The smell will be strongest near the carcass, but it can also spread throughout the entire home.
Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also cause respiratory problems and nausea. If the rat has been dead for a while, the odor may become so strong that it’s impossible to stay in the house.
Dead Rats Carry Diseases
One of the biggest dangers of dead rats is the fact that they can carry diseases. Rat-borne illnesses are a serious health hazard, and they can cause everything from mild discomfort to death.
Some of the most common rat-borne diseases include:
Leptospirosis
This is a serious bacterial infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, and vomiting. In some cases, it can lead to kidney failure and death. This is often caused by contact with rat urine or saliva.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
This is a deadly virus that causes fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It can lead to respiratory failure and death. This can be caught by having direct contact with rat droppings and inhaling dust that is infected with their waste.
Plague
Plagues have occurred throughout history and it is often caused by direct contact with infected rats. This disease has killed millions of people over the years. Symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. It can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, but it can also be deadly.
Lymphocytic Chorio-Meningitis
This is a virus that affects the central nervous system. It can cause fever, headache, and neck stiffness. In some cases, it can be fatal. This is most commonly spread through contact with rat saliva or urine.
Salmonellosis
This is a food-borne illness that is caused by contact with rat feces. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. It is often mistaken for the flu, and it can be fatal if left untreated.
Tularemia
This is also a serious bacterial infection that can be caught by contact with dead rats or inhaling bacteria from their waste. It causes fever and muscle aches. In some cases, it can lead to pneumonia and death.
Rat Bite Fever
Despite having its name, it doesn’t mean that you have to get bitten by a rat to get this disease. Dead rats can also transmit this disease if you have direct contact with it or you consume something that is infected.
How to Get Rid of Dead Rats
If you have a dead rat in your home, it’s important to take steps to get rid of it as soon as possible. This can be a difficult task, and it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Pest control experts will have the knowledge and experience to remove the carcass and decontaminate the area safely. They will also be able to identify any potential health risks and take steps to minimize them.
If you are unable or unwilling to hire a professional, there are some things that you can do yourself:
- wear protective equipment
- disinfect the area of the carcass
- clean yourself after handling dead rats
- check upon yourself and your family for possible diseases
Takeaway
As you can see, the side effects of dead rats in your home are not worth risking. If you have them in your home, it is important that you take action immediately.
Should you have more questions in mind, call us today!