Are Rodents in Your Walls Spreading Dangerous Diseases?

If you’ve heard scratching or scurrying sounds coming from within your walls, it’s time to consider the potential risks rodents may pose. While these critters might seem harmless, the reality is that rodents can cause significant damage to both your property and your health. Rodents hiding in your walls are a particular concern, as they can spread dangerous diseases and cause long-term issues. This article will explore everything you need to know about rodents in your walls and how to prevent them from becoming a serious problem.

How can rodents get inside your walls?

Rodents are adept at finding their way into your home, often without you even realising it. Here are some common ways they gain access to your walls:

• Cracks and gaps: Rodents can squeeze through small spaces, entering through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, doors, or holes around pipes and wires.
• Roof and ceiling: Rodents climb into roof spaces, vent openings, or gaps in ceiling insulation, travelling through walls once inside.
• Damaged walls or insulation: Rodents gnaw on walls and insulation, creating pathways deeper into your home.
• Pipes and wiring: Holes around plumbing pipes or electrical wiring provide a conduit for rodents to move unnoticed throughout your home.

What health risks do rodents inside your walls pose?

Rodents, such as rats and mice, are not just a nuisance—they’re a health hazard. If rodents are living within your walls, they can introduce a number of serious health risks to your home:

• Disease transmission: Rodents are known to carry and transmit a wide range of diseases, some of which can be fatal.
• Allergies: Rodent urine and droppings can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in those with asthma or sensitivities to allergens.
• Bacteria spread: Rodent saliva, faeces, and urine often carry harmful bacteria, which can contaminate food, surfaces, and even the air.
• Parasites: Rodents may also carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to humans or pets.

How do you know if there are rodents in your walls?

Detecting rodents early is crucial to preventing the spread of diseases and damage to your home. Here are some signs that you may have rodents in your walls:

• Scratching noises: If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds, especially at night, it’s a clear sign of rodent activity.
• Odour: A strong, musty smell in your home may be a sign of rodent infestation, particularly if they’ve been nesting in your walls.
• Rodent droppings: Small droppings found in hidden areas, like walls or cupboards, suggest rodents are present.
• Gnaw marks: Look for chew marks on wood, insulation, or wiring near entry points.
• Footprints and trails: Tiny footprints or grease marks on dusty surfaces show rodent movement along walls or baseboards.

What diseases can rodents in walls potentially spread?

Rodents can carry a variety of diseases that pose serious health risks. Some of the most dangerous diseases they can spread include:

• Salmonella: Rodent droppings can contaminate food, leading to food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Hantavirus: This virus can cause severe respiratory illness, and in some cases, it can be fatal. It’s spread through rodent urine and droppings.
• Rat-Bite fever: Caused by bacteria, this disease can be contracted through bites, scratches, or direct contact with rodents.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection caused by leptospirosa bacteria, which can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and meningitis.
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV): This viral infection can be transmitted by rodent urine or droppings and can cause flu-like symptoms, neurological damage, and meningitis.
• Plague: While rare today, the plague, which can be fatal, is transmitted by fleas that rodents often carry.

Can rodents in walls damage your property beyond health concerns?

While health risks are a primary concern, rodents can also cause significant damage to your property. Here’s how they can harm your home:

• Structural damage: Rodents chew on wood, insulation, pipes, and electrical wiring, risking costly repairs.
• Fire hazards: Gnawing on electrical wires can cause short circuits or even fires.
• Food contamination: Rodents can taint food with droppings, urine, and saliva, making it unsafe to eat.
• Insulation damage: Rodents tear insulation, reducing its efficiency and raising energy costs.
• Furniture damage: They gnaw on furniture and belongings, primarily if used for nesting.

What are the most effective ways to prevent rodents from entering walls?

Prevention is key to avoiding the costly and health-related problems caused by rodents. Here are some practical ways to keep rodents out of your walls:

• Seal gaps and cracks: Inspect your home regularly for cracks or gaps in walls, doors, windows, and around pipes, and seal them properly.
• Install rodent-proof barriers: Consider installing physical barriers around entry points such as vents, chimneys, and air ducts.
• Maintain cleanliness: Keep your home free of food scraps and clutter that could attract rodents. Store food in airtight containers.
• Regular inspections: Have your home inspected for signs of rodents, especially in the roof and attic.

How can professional rodent control protect your family and home?

While it may seem tempting to tackle rodent problems on your own, professional rodent control offers a number of benefits that DIY methods can’t match:

• Expertise and experience: Pest control professionals can identify signs of infestation early and address them effectively.
• Safe and effective treatments: They use eco-friendly and secure treatments that eliminate rodents without harming your family’s health.
• Comprehensive solutions: Professional rodent control services target rodents, seal entry points, prevent future infestations, and provide monitoring.
• Disinfection services: After rodent removal, they disinfect areas to reduce disease and bacteria spread.
• Long-term prevention: Experts implement preventative measures to ensure rodents don’t return.

Protect your home from rodents.

Rodents in your walls can pose serious health risks and cause significant damage to your home. With the proper prevention and prompt action, you can protect your property and family. If you’re facing a rodent infestation, don’t wait until the damage is done. Call a professional pest control service like Pest Blaster to address the problem and ensure your home stays safe, healthy, and rodent-free.

If you need help getting rid of rodents in your walls or require expert pest control services, Pest Blaster offers expert pest control and disinfection services as well as other services like cockroaches, ants, and spider control in Sydney and surrounding areas. Our experienced team provides eco-friendly, 24/7 emergency services and safe and effective treatments to protect your home and family. Contact Pest Blaster today for a consultation and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in good hands.