Mice and Rats are deeply integrated into almost every human settlement. Some species are so prevalent.

They are the bane in the existence of big cities all around the world. But not all mice and rats were created equal, and not all of them are pests.

Having a rat infestation can pose a threat to both your health and your home, so it's good to know what are the risks.

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DISEASES:

Black rats, which are the most prominent rat pest in Australia, carry a host of diseases. They were the primary vectors for the plague during the Middle Ages. This species also carries Hantaviruses.

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Rats transmit toxoplasmosis, which has an interesting effect on their behavior. Because the parasite reproduces in the digestive tract of cats, it hijacks its nervous system to expose itself to cats when it infects a rat. The rat becomes a sacrificial lamb for the parasite's reproduction. It's worth noting that toxoplasmosis rarely has symptoms when infecting humans. Some biologists are proponents of the idea it can be a factor in the development of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Further research is needed to make sure that really is the case.

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FOOD AND WATER CONTAMINATION:

Aside from that, rats can contaminate food and water. They generally clean themselves up a lot but doesn't mean they can get rid of all the germs they carry.

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PROPERTY DAMAGE:

Structural damage is not a foreign concept to rats. Their teeth grow throughout their entire life so they need to gnaw on something all the time. This can lead to catastrophic consequences if the thing they gnaw on is your plumbing or electric system. Many a fire have been started by a rat infestation. 

 

That's not all - rats love to eat grain, so they're a huge problem in warehouses as they can contaminate many food sources.