4 Dangerous Diseases Spread by Rodents

Rodents are associated with a number of health risks. These small animals can carry many dangerous diseases that can spread directly to humans and pets. To keep your loved ones safe, it’s important to learn about these diseases and how they spread and to take the necessary preventive measures to keep rodents out of your home. Keep reading to discover several common rodent-borne diseases and how Critter Guard can help.

1. Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by mold-like parasites that live on the skin. The main symptom of the disease is a ring-shaped rash. The affected area of the skin may also be red, scaly, itchy or cracked. Ringworm is quite common in rodents and can be easily transferred to people via direct contact with the animal or through contact with contaminated surfaces.

2. Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening respiratory disease transmitted to humans from certain rodents. Symptoms of this infectious disease include muscle aches, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Currently, there is no specific treatment or cure for the infection.

3. Tularemia

Also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, this disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The infection does not occur naturally in humans but can be transferred to people through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Common symptoms include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin ulcers.

4. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. The disease can spread from animals to humans and progress to serious conditions such as meningitis or Weil's disease. In humans, symptoms include fever, headache, coughing, a rash, muscle pain, irritated eyes, and jaundice.

How These Diseases Spread

Rodents can carry and spread the pathogens that cause the diseases mentioned above. The diseases are transmitted directly through handling of live or dead rodents, rodent bites, rodent scratches, and contact with rodent saliva, urine or droppings. Ticks, fleas and mites that have fed on an infected rodent can also contribute to the spread of these diseases to humans.

How Critter Guard Can Help

In order to prevent exposure to rodent-transmitted diseases, it’s best to prevent rodents from entering your home altogether.

At Critter Guard, our Line Guard and Pole Guard products are designed to humanely deter rodents from entering your home. The products act as a barrier to prevent the small animals from gaining access to your roof and ultimately making their way into your home. To learn more about our products, contact us today!