As if the coronavirus pandemic is not the most stressful situation for many people yet, rats are suddenly enjoying the indoors , even during the daytime. These rodents don’t just scavenge for food in dark alleys; they seem to have been emboldened by hunger—they now raid rubbish bins regardless of the time..
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) noticed an increase in rat activity from 50% a few weeks after the March 2020 lockdowns then to 80% in October 2020. Forced by a reduced volume of rubbish they find in the streets, rats are now invading homes and other structures in greater numbers to maximize the availability of the three things that they live and hunt for: food, water, and shelter.
When rats smell food, they will doggedly follow the trail. Homes, understandably, continually emit smells that signal these rodents that sustenance is available in the structures. When they invade, the occupants are in danger of catching any bacteria and viruses the vermin carry with them.
Health threats from rat infestation
Rats do not only cause fires by chewing on electric wirings, they can spread countless diseases by direct or indirect transmission as well. Unwanted diseases can spread through their urine, droppings, and saliva (especially when you get scratched or bitten).
The most common direct contact transmission from rats is leptospirosis. You can get it from drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with rat urine. You can also get it if you get contaminated water on open wounds (or even skin nicks) you may have.
Rat-bite fever or Haverhill fever, on the other hand, is caused by ingesting food and water that are contaminated by rat droppings or from getting bitten and scratched by the rodent. This disease gives fevers, chills, body aches and pains, and rashes, as well as joint pain or swelling.
The mites and fleas that are stuck to them can cause murine and scrub typhus, with symptoms similar to Haverhill fever. Severe scrub typhus can lead to a coma while both can cause organ failure if left untreated.
Preventing an infestation
Once the rats enter your home, they may stay temporarily or for protracted periods and multiply. They are rather prolific and can breed throughout the year, producing scores of offspring. This can happen if they have adequate shelter, and food and water supply.
Rats can squeeze themselves into holes that are ½ an inch in diameter or bigger, meaning they can enter through cracks in window frames, a hole in the floor, under your door, or a space around the pipe that’s connected to your electric appliances.
Seal the gaps and holes
Check for openings around your house or property and seal with steel wool, caulk, or cement, depending on which one is appropriate. You will find their possible entry points on roof eaves and gables. Inspect your windows and doors from outside to see if there are holes in them. Your attic is also a very probable pathway for the rodents to enter from, especially the vents.
Set up traps
Find the areas inside and around your house that have signs of rat activity and set up traps. Mouse traps are smaller than rat traps and, therefore, might not help with your infestation problem. Place a pea-size amount of peanut butter on the bait pan and position the trap perpendicular next to the wall.
It is important that before setting your traps all the gaps and holes in and around your house should be already sealed as, otherwise, you’d be open to a fresh batch of rodents even as you get rid of the current one.
Keep your home clean
Clean your home regularly and keep your food in rodent-proof containers. Throw your rubbish outside at the end of the day so you won’t be inviting pests to feed on them. If you do store your rubbish indoors, use a well-sealed bin and keep the area around it tidy.
Pet food can get contaminated if you leave it out at night. Put it away and seal properly the same way you contain your own food.
Landlord’s responsibility
If you rent your home and you are facing an infestation, it is your landlord’s responsibility to address the issue. It is one of your tenant rights to request repairs to cracks in the walls or woodwork as soon as possible before you or your loved ones get sick from rat droppings. If your landlord ignores your request to get the infestation sorted, contact the housing disrepair experts at Disrepair Claim so they can help get the assistance that you need.