Leptospirosis is a disease carried by rodents that can be dangerous to you and your pets. It is caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected pests and animals, and is characterized by mild to severe symptoms. Infected persons may experience headaches and general body aches as well as stiff neck, fever, confusion, jaundice, and other flu-like symptoms. In the worst cases, there can be damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.
Leptospirosis and Rodents
Rats and mice are known to carry leptospira bacteria and can spread disease quickly. When infected rodents and animals urinate, they contaminate surfaces, soil, and water. The bacteria are transmitted when rodents, animals, and people come in contact with contaminated surfaces, soil, or water. Leptospira bacteria enter the bloodstream through open wounds or mucous membranes found in the mouth, eyes, and nose, resulting in disease. The bacteria can also be transmitted through inhalation of contaminated air particles.
Leptospirosis is most often seen in farm animals and pets but can be transmitted to humans and via human-to-human contact, albeit rarely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that leptospirosis is now being found in urban children at increasing rates, especially in areas with moderately wet and/or warm-to-tropical climates, including Houston. This is why rodent control is so very important for your home and family.
Preventing Leptospirosis
The best way to prevent leptospirosis and other bacterial diseases is to keep your home free of rats and mice. Keep your home clean and securely cover garbage inside and outside your house. Don’t allow pools of standing water to accumulate and wear gloves if you need to handle infected animals. If you find one mouse or rat, there are likely to be more, and they are all potential reservoirs of disease. You must get rid of rodents in and near your home and take all precautionary measures to prevent further infestation.
It can be difficult, if not impossible, to make sure you have rid your home of rodents unless you hire professional help. EnviroCon Pest Control uses environmentally safe and effective methods to eradicate rats, mice, and other pests from your home and property with their pest control throughout Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress, and the greater Houston area. To learn more, call EnviroCon Pest Control at 281-356-5284, today.