Are rats dangerous?
Rats are more than just an unpleasant nuisance. If you’ve seen signs of rats in or around your home, you may be wondering: are rats dangerous? The short answer is yes. Rats pose serious risks to both property and public health, which is why infestations should never be ignored.
At R.H Miller Pest Services, we help homeowners and businesses deal with rat infestations safely and effectively. Understanding the dangers rats present is the first step toward protecting your family and your property.
Why Rats Are a Serious Health Concern
In addition to damaging property, rodents may also spread diseases, posing a significant risk to public health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Orkin, rats are known carriers of multiple diseases that can be transmitted to humans in several ways.
Rodent-borne diseases can be transferred directly to humans through:
Bite wounds
Consumption of food and/or water contaminated by rodents
Breathing dust contaminated by rodent droppings, urine, or other waste products
Handling rodent droppings (scat) or nesting materials
Diseases Spread by Rats
Rats are capable of spreading several serious illnesses. Some of the most concerning include:
Rat-Bite Fever
Rat bites and scratches can result in rat-bite fever, a bacterial infection that can cause:
Fever and chills
Vomiting
Muscle and joint pain
Rashes
Without treatment, rat-bite fever can lead to severe complications.
Leptospirosis
Rat urine is responsible for spreading leptospirosis, a dangerous bacterial disease. Humans can become infected through:
Contact with contaminated water or soil
Handling rodent droppings or urine
Inhalation of dust contaminated with rat waste
Leptospirosis can result in:
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Renal failure
Liver failure
Cardiovascular complications
This disease can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Property Damage Caused by Rats
Beyond health risks, rats cause extensive property damage. They constantly gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing, which means they chew on:
Electrical wiring (a major fire hazard)
Insulation
Drywall
Wood framing
Plumbing materials
Rats can also contaminate large amounts of food and create foul odors throughout a home or business.
Why DIY Rat Control Often Fails
Many homeowners attempt to handle rat problems themselves, but DIY solutions rarely address the full scope of an infestation. Common issues include:
Missing hidden nests
Improper placement of traps
Failure to seal entry points
Continued exposure to contaminated areas
Without professional intervention, rats often return—or worsen the infestation.
Professional Rat Control Protects Your Home and Health
At [Your Pest Control Company Name], our rat control services focus on:
Thorough inspections to locate entry points and nesting areas
Safe, effective removal methods
Sanitation guidance to reduce disease risks
Long-term prevention strategies
If you’re asking “Are rats dangerous?”, it’s time to take action. Early professional treatment can prevent serious health issues, costly property damage, and ongoing infestations.
Contact a Local Rat Control Expert Today
If you suspect rats in your home or business, don’t wait. Rats reproduce quickly, and the risks increase the longer an infestation goes untreated.
📞 Contact R.H. Miller Pest Services today for a rat inspection and customized treatment plan.