Rats and mice are often referred to as “commensal rodents,” meaning that they live close to man.
In fact, this term broken down means “sharing one’s table.”
Since some rodents are considered commensal, they have the unique ability to take from the human’s table but also share with humans’ diseases making them serious health pests.
During the 14th century, the plague was spread to humans by the oriental flea on infested rats and mice. The number of deaths attributed to the rodents has been estimated at 25,000,000 (that’s million folks).
Wherever there is rodent feces, saliva or urine, there is a real possibility of transmission of disease or allergens. The plague is not common, but it does still exist in the world today.
Other diseases like typhus, leptospirosis, rat bite fever, and even pneumonic plague, which is a plague infection in the lungs, are a real possibility.
Rats and mice co-exist with man not only by sharing food, but they also share shelter meaning they can most certainly be found inside homes, commercial buildings, and anywhere there is adequate food, water and shelter.
The impact to human health is one factor when considering commensal rodents, but there is an economic factor to be taken into account as well. The estimated loss of food in the world due to contamination or consumption by rodents is said to have been able to feed over 200,000 people. One might first think that rodents eat most of the food, however the food eaten is nothing compared to the food that is contaminated by feces, saliva, and urine making the economic loss in the billions of dollars.
Consider this, if a rat or mouse infestation is found in a home, restaurant, grocery store, storage facility or any commercial building, there is contamination wherever the rodent goes. This includes surfaces of counters, desks, and where eating utensils are stored -- anywhere you see urine or feces.
Rodent control is necessary economically and health wise. If a pair of mice mate, they can give birth every 24-28 days to 5-8 young who are then sexually mature themselves in 5-8 weeks. It is conceivable that from two mice there can be a yield of over 5,000 or more mice per year. A pair of rats can produce over 1,200 rats per year.
One can see that it is extremely important to control commensal rodents. If you have questions, feel free to call about rodent programs offered and ideas on how to protect your home and health.
