When people think of rodents, they often picture a mouse scurrying through the kitchen or a rat in the garage. While these pests are a nuisance, many Bay Area residents don’t realize the full extent of the danger of rodents in and around the home. Rodents are more than just unwelcome visitors—they pose serious health risks to your family and pets and can cause structural damage to your property.

At Citra Pest Control, we help homeowners throughout San Jose and the surrounding Bay Area tackle rodent infestations quickly and effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore the health hazards associated with rodents and explain why professional intervention is key to keeping your family safe.

The Health Risks of Rodent Infestations

Rodents are carriers of various diseases and can spread bacteria and viruses directly and indirectly. Here’s how:

Disease Transmission

One of the most serious dangers of rodents is their ability to transmit diseases. Mice and rats are known carriers of:

• Hantavirus: Contracted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, hantavirus can cause severe respiratory issues and even be fatal in some cases.
• Leptospirosis: Spread through contact with contaminated water or soil, this bacterial infection can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, or meningitis.
• Salmonella: Rodents contaminate food and surfaces with their feces, leading to serious foodborne illnesses.
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV): A virus associated with house mice, LCMV can cause neurological problems, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women.

If you’re seeing signs of rodent activity in your home, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or strange noises in the walls, it’s essential to act fast. The longer they stay, the greater the risk of disease exposure to your household.

Hidden Allergens and Asthma Triggers

Rodents don’t just spread illness—they can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma. Proteins found in rodent urine, saliva, and dander can become airborne and exacerbate respiratory conditions. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

Even after the rodents are gone, the allergens they leave behind can remain in carpeting, ductwork, and insulation. That’s why a thorough, professional cleanup is crucial, and something we specialize in at Citra Pest Control.

Pet Health Concerns

Pets can also suffer from the danger of rodents. Rats and mice carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to your cats and dogs. These parasites may transmit additional diseases, such as typhus or Lyme disease.

Rodents may also contaminate pet food and water bowls, leading to illness in your furry companions. If your pets are showing signs of discomfort, lethargy, or gastrointestinal distress—and you’ve seen rodents—it’s time to take action.

Structural Damage and Fire Hazards

The danger of rodents doesn’t stop at health risks. Rodents have strong teeth that constantly grow, leading them to gnaw on anything available—including electrical wiring, insulation, drywall, and even plumbing.

• Fire hazard: Chewed wires inside walls and attics are a leading cause of house fires attributed to rodents.
• Water damage: Rodents can damage pipes or cause leaks by chewing through them.
• Expensive repairs: From damaged insulation to ruined furniture, rodent infestations can lead to costly home repairs if not addressed promptly.

At Citra Pest Control, we don’t just remove the rodents—we help identify and seal off entry points to prevent them from returning.

How Rodents Get Into Bay Area Homes

Rodents are incredibly adaptable and can squeeze into the tiniest of spaces. Common entry points include:

• Gaps under doors and windows
• Cracks in foundations
• Holes in roofs or vents
• Utility line gaps and drainage pipes

In the Bay Area, especially in older homes, these vulnerabilities are often overlooked until it’s too late. Our team at Citra Pest Control performs detailed inspections to identify these weak spots and ensure your home is properly sealed.

Protecting Your Family from Rodent Risks

Preventing a rodent infestation is far easier—and safer—than dealing with one after it starts. Here’s what you can do:

• Keep food sealed: Store pantry items in airtight containers and clean up crumbs immediately.
• Eliminate water sources: Fix leaky faucets and remove standing water indoors and outdoors.
• Declutter storage spaces: Rodents love hiding in cardboard boxes, piles of clothes, or unused furniture.
• Seal entry points: Close off any potential entrances around the exterior of your home.

Schedule regular inspections: Let professionals like Citra Pest Control perform preventative checks, especially before fall and winter when rodent activity spikes.

Don’t Let Rodents Endanger Your Family

The danger of rodents isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health and safety threat that should never be ignored. From spreading disease to damaging your home, mice and rats can have long-lasting effects if left untreated.

If you suspect you have a rodent problem or want to prevent one before it starts, reach out to Citra Pest Control. Our licensed technicians serve the entire San Jose and Bay Area region with expert knowledge, eco-friendly solutions, and a commitment to protecting your home and your family.

Let us help you live pest-free—because your family’s health and safety should never be compromised.