Pest Control

Rodent-Borne Diseases

Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. Rodent-borne diseases are spread directly to humans through:

• Bite wounds
• Breathing in germs that may be present in rodent urine or droppings that have been stirred into the air
• Coming in contact with surface water contaminated with rodent urine
• Consuming food or water that is contaminated with rodent feces

Resources

Douglas County Environmental Health Services provides education and information on prevention of disease through management of disease-carrying pests:

• Diseases Directly Transmitted by Rodents
• Diseases Indirectly Transmitted by Rodents
• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management - Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management is a non-profit, grant funded site that provides research-based information on how to responsibly handle wildlife damage problems.
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus - Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus can be transmitted to humans by rodents, including wild and pet mice, hamsters, and, on occasion, guinea pigs.
• Rodent Control - Seal Up, Trap Up, Clean Up - Seal Up, Trap Up, Clean Up provides information about rodent-borne diseases and how to prevent them.