What are the dangers of rats? - briefly
Rats transmit pathogens such as leptospira, hantavirus, and salmonella, posing serious health risks to humans and livestock. They also cause structural damage by gnawing wiring, insulation, and stored goods, creating fire hazards and economic loss.
What are the dangers of rats? - in detail
Rats carry a wide range of pathogens that can infect humans and domestic animals. They transmit bacterial illnesses such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat‑bite fever; viral diseases including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and, in rare cases, plague; and parasitic infections like tapeworms (Hymenolepis) and roundworms (Trichinella). Contact with rat urine, feces, or saliva contaminates food, water, and surfaces, creating direct routes for disease transmission.
Rodents damage infrastructure through persistent gnawing. They sever electrical wiring, increasing fire risk and causing power outages. Their incisors chew through insulation, plastic pipes, and structural timber, leading to water leaks, compromised building integrity, and costly repairs. Burrowing activity destabilizes foundations and creates entry points for additional pests.
Economic losses arise from product spoilage, inventory destruction, and increased sanitation expenses. Food processing facilities, warehouses, and restaurants report significant waste due to contamination. Control programs—trapping, baiting, and habitat modification—require ongoing investment, raising operational costs.
Ecologically, rats outcompete native wildlife for shelter and food, reducing biodiversity. Their presence alters predator‑prey dynamics and can facilitate the spread of invasive species by transporting seeds or parasites across habitats.
Human safety is jeopardized by bites that may become infected, allergic reactions to rodent dander, and psychological distress caused by infestations. Chewed electrical components can trigger short circuits, leading to equipment failure and fire hazards.