Atlanta Rat Removal Tip: Is It Dangerous To Touch Or Breath Rat Feces?

Dealing with rats is something that most of us encounter at some point in our lifetime. These rodents are plentiful, and they live near people, scavenging food items. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to end up eradicating a population from your living space. If you've done any research, then you know how important it is to thoroughly clean the areas they frequented. Pheromones are released in the urine and excrement of rats as an additional way of communication. It lets other rats know if the area offers desirable living conditions, including food and water sources.

Personal Protective Equipment

When eradicating rats and cleaning up behind them, it is essential that you wear the proper protective equipment. Rats carry many harmful and contagious diseases and their excrement is no exception. Long, thick gloves should be worn to protect the hands and forearms. Facial masks should also be utilized to prevent you from breathing in contaminated dust particles that can carry diseases. You always want to wash your hands thoroughly after dealing with rats in any form, even if gloves are worn in the process. It is also important to use a strong disinfectant to properly rid the area of pheromones.

Diseases Caused By Rat Droppings

Rat droppings can spread diseases and viruses through contact. They can also spread bacteria that cause illnesses and allergic reactions in some people. Handling rat droppings without the proper protection is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Hantavirus is a potentially life-threatening illness that can be transmitted through rat droppings. It is transmitted through inhalation of contaminated dust in areas where rats frequent. Salmonellosis causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. It is also spread through contact with contaminated rat feces and can require hospitalization. Rat-Bite fever is another potentially deadly illness that can be spread through contact with rat droppings. It was once thought that someone must be bitten by an infected rodent to contract this illness, but we now know that isn't the case at all.

Cleaning

Rats are particularly nasty vermin that carry multiple bacteria and illnesses, many of which are easily contractible by humans. Handling rat feces is as dangerous as handling rats themselves. It is recommended that the fecal matter be vacuumed up to eliminate additional contaminated dust in the area. If insulation or other materials have been contaminated, they should be completely replaced. It is also essential to use a cleaning agent designed to kill bacteria and eliminate biohazard waste. This will help kill any lingering odors as well. Cleaning up after a rat infestation is a serious task. If you aren't prepared to take extra precautions, it is recommended that you call a professional to handle the job.