Contra Costa County, Richmond Rat Control Situation:
Hello!!! I was just at your website, and thought I would throw an email your way... I went into my garage tonight, and was throwing a load of laundry into the washer, and I heard scratching coming from the wall in the far right hand corner of the garage... I went over to inspect, and couldn't see anything, but the scratching continued... I tapped on the wall with a broom, and the scratching stopped... My question to you is this- if it were to be a mouse would I be able to hear them so clearly scratching? I know they don't weigh a whole lot... We did have a problem with squirrels in the attic a couple of months ago, but we got rid of them, and blocked the entry way that they made to enter the attic... We checked outside this evening after we heard the scratching, and cannot find any entry points in the eaves, soffits, etc... So I am under the impression that its not squirrels or something large like that (praying that its not)... I hope I have made sense... I am a nervous wreck right now at just the thought that their is something in my wall =( I hope to hear back from you soon... Joni
My response: Sometimes mice can make very loud noises, if they scratch directly on the drywall. But squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and rats also get in wall frequently.
Richmond Rat Control Tip of The Week
What Are Some Rat Diseases That Can Affect Humans?
One of the biggest concerns of countries and cities suffering from plagues of rats is the many diseases they cause. Many lethal diseases have been caused by these pesky rodents and more and more places are being exposed to rat diseases.
Rats are carriers of numerous pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other types of infectious agents, which can be transmitted through different parts and secretions of the rat; its tissue, saliva, urine, and feces.
How Can Rats Infect Humans?
Rats can transmit diseases through their skin; contagious infections that could be fatal in the skin of the affected person.
Through their saliva, rats can transmit a great number of viruses, bacteria, and infections, both internally and externally. That is why it is essential to go to a doctor if a rat bites you.
Rat urine and feces are among the most dangerous carriers of infection. They carry the most viruses and diseases which, if not treated in time, could have serious consequences for the health of the infected person.
The importance of being alert to the first sign of rats on your property is critical to your family's health. Not only your children and family but also your pet, as they could be exposed to even more infections and diseases that are deadly if not treated in time.
Some of the symptoms that could appear after a rat bite are:- Chills
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Muscular ache
- Breathing difficulty
Some of these symptoms are just a preview of a serious illness caused by constant exposure to rats. Some of these diseases include meningitis, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, bubonic plague, toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, internal parasites, among others.
Keeping your family out of harm's way should be a priority. When you first see a rat, you should do something about it; either hire a pest exterminator or set traps throughout the house yourself.
