Why You Need A Mouse Exterminator

We recently looked at the history of rodent plagues in Melbourne. Unfortunately, mice and rats are still swarming the city and suburbs in high proportions, making it important to understand the risks these pests can cause property, but more importantly, human health. These are the facts Why You Need A Mouse Exterminator, Around the world, rats and mice are known to spread over 35 diseases that can infect both people and pets. And, unfortunately, it can be easier to catch these diseases than you might imagine. It is true that some require a direct bite from the animal. But let’s take a look at two diseases that can be passed on merely from rodent urine and faeces coming in contact with human food or kitchen utensils.

Mouse Typhoid, also known as Duck Egg Disease (Salmonella Typhimurium) is a bacteria that can be passed from mice to humans via the droppings of an infected animal. It can be spread just by urine or feces contact on kitchen utensils. Did you know that a single mouse dropping has the potential of carrying 100,000 salmonella cells! This is frightening considering the CSIRO has declared that Salmonella is the second highest cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis in Australia, after Campylobacter. In turn, Salmonella, along with Listeria Monocytogenes, is responsible for more deaths in Australia than any other foodborne disease. In fact, 15 people die from each of these per year! In addition, Salmonella Typhimurium is the nastiest of the all the Salmonella bacterias, as it can cause typhoid fever in humans: a frequently fatal bloodstream infection. Symptoms of this infection include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever, and should be treated with urgent medical attention.

Another disease that can be spread via urine and feces contact with food and utensils is Lymphocytic Shoriomeningitis. This virus actually remains dormant in mice and is spread via their faeces. People that contract the disease from eating human food that mice have been in contact with, or from touched utensils, will suffer a mild form of meningitis. This condition is endemic, or only found, in Australia. As you may know, meningitis is the inflammation of the soft tissue membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord underneath and skull and spinal column. Symptoms may include nausea, headache, vomiting, general malaise, fever, neck stiffness, an aversion to bright lights, joint and muscle aches, confusion, drowsiness, a rash, sore throat, stomach pains and diarrhoea. Although viral meningitis is usually more mild than the bacterial type, it is still vital that those suffering these symptoms seek medical attention. This is especially important for those with low immune systems.

With this in mind, it is vital to protect yourself and your family from diseases carried by rodents in Australia. And as the plagues that hit Victoria last year are far from gone, the rodent problem in Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs is still at epic proportions this winter. With very low temperatures, mice and rats will be looking for somewhere warm to sleep and breed. Keep your kitchen free of rubbish and excess food waste, and be sure to contact Right Pest Control’s expert rodent control team on 0478 308 361 if you are faced with a rat or mouse problem. We can safely and quickly assess and eradicate a rodent infestation from your Melbourne home, business or property.