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Rats are more than an unwelcome presence. When they enter homes and businesses, they can contaminate food, damage property, and expose people to disease-causing organisms through their urine, droppings, saliva, and parasites.
Understanding these risks—and responding safely to signs of rodent activity—can help protect your family, employees, customers, and property.
A person does not need to touch a rat directly to be exposed to a potential health risk. Transmission can occur through several routes:
Rats often travel between waste areas, sewers, food-storage areas, and buildings. As they move, they may contaminate floors, counters, equipment, packaging, and other surfaces.
Not every rat carries disease, and discovering rodent activity does not mean someone will become ill. However, rats can be associated with several infections, making careful prevention and cleanup important.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial illness that can spread through the urine of infected animals. People may be exposed through contaminated soil or water, particularly when the bacteria enter the body through broken skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms can vary and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, or jaundice. Some infections can become serious and affect the kidneys or liver.
Moist conditions may support the bacteria, so leaks, standing water, and drainage problems should be addressed as part of a rodent-prevention program.
Rats may carry Salmonella bacteria and contaminate food, water, preparation areas, or utensils. People can become ill after consuming contaminated food or touching contaminated materials and then transferring the bacteria to their mouths.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting. Strong sanitation practices and secure food storage help reduce the risk of both rodent activity and food contamination.
Rat-bite fever is a bacterial illness that may be transmitted through a rat bite or scratch. Exposure can also occur through contact with a rat’s saliva or contaminated food and water.
Possible symptoms include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and rash. Anyone bitten or scratched by a rat should wash the area promptly and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Hantaviruses are carried by certain rodents. Different viruses are associated with different rodent hosts and can cause different illnesses.
Exposure may occur when contaminated urine, droppings, or nesting material is disturbed, allowing infectious particles to enter the air. This is one reason dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent waste is not recommended.
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, or LCMV, is most commonly associated with the common house mouse, although other rodents may potentially become infected. People can be exposed through fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting material.
Many infections produce mild or no symptoms, but more serious neurological illness can occur. Infection during pregnancy may also present additional risks, making professional medical guidance especially important following a suspected exposure.
Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected flea associated with rodents or other wildlife. Human cases in the United States are rare, but the disease remains a reason to avoid handling wild rodents or their parasites.
Disease transmission is not the only concern when rats occupy a building. Rodents may also:
In homes, this activity may compromise food safety and create worry for family members. In commercial facilities—particularly food processing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, hospitality, and education settings—even limited evidence of rodents may require immediate documentation and corrective action.
Rats often remain hidden during occupied hours. Look for:
Prompt investigation can help determine whether the evidence reflects isolated activity or a broader problem.
Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry rodent waste. These actions can send contaminated dust into the air.
If only a small amount of droppings is present, follow current public-health guidance for ventilation, protective equipment, wet disinfection, removal, and disposal. Keep people and pets away from the affected area during cleanup.
Professional assistance may be appropriate when:
Anyone who feels unwell after a possible exposure should contact a healthcare professional and explain the circumstances.
A proactive rodent-management plan addresses access, food, water, and shelter.
Effective rat management requires more than removing the rodents that are visible. Entry points, nesting areas, food sources, and recurring activity must also be identified and addressed.
Since 1925, JP Pest Services has helped protect the welfare of our neighbors across New England. Our industry-leading training, guided by degreed entomologists, supports responsible rodent management for family homes and complex commercial environments.
If you notice droppings, gnawing, unusual sounds, or other evidence of rats, JP Pest Services can inspect the property and recommend an approach designed around its specific risks—helping protect health, property, and peace of mind.
Our local technicians will assess your property and recommend tailored solutions. Fast, friendly, and completely obligation-free.