Rats damage the structural integrity of the buildings they infest and threaten the health of nearby individuals, particularly by urinating and defecating excessively. Property owners should always be on the lookout for rat poop in order to catch infestations early and avoid health problems.
What Does Rat Poop Look Like?
Rat droppings look different depending on the species, but they are generally 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in length.
Norway rats, the most common home invader, produce droppings with blunted ends, while black rat droppings are pointed. If water supplies are contaminated by rat urine or feces, humans are at risk of contracting tularemia, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis. Additionally, breathing in dust contaminated with rodent excrement can lead to hemorrhagic fever.
Cleaning Up Rat Droppings & Urine
In order to properly clean up contaminated areas, individuals should always use gloves and protective masks to avoid breathing in particles of rat droppings and dried aerosolized urine.
The process can be tedious and time-consuming because the use of typical cleaning tools is inadvisable.Vacuums, in particular, stir up dust and increase the possibility of disease transfer.
Given the dangers of cleanup, contacting pest control specialists is the best option. Professionals effectively remove rat problems and protect residents by properly sanitizing affected areas.
Learn more about rat removal.