Rat Bite: Do Rats Really Attack You?

Rats are among the most common rodents in urban and rural environments. Typically, they run away at the first sign of danger and avoid contact with humans. However, there are circumstances where rats may bite. If they find themselves cornered with no way out, their behaviour changes and the rat won’t hesitate to attack a human.

While rat bites are rare, they pose significant health hazards. Therefore, understanding rats’ behaviour, potential health risks, and implementing preventative measures is crucial for safeguarding oneself.

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Why Do Rats Bite?

Rats are generally cautious animals that prefer to remain hidden, especially during the daytime. However, certain situations can provoke a rat to bite:

• Self-defence – Often, the main reason why rats bite is because of fear. If they feel cornered, threatened, or provoked, they may bite as a defensive reaction. This response is often linked to rats’ instinct to protect themselves from perceived danger. Factors that contribute to this fear include sudden movements, loud noises, or the presence of unfamiliar creatures.
• Nest protection – Mother rats may become aggressive if they sense a threat to their young. If rats’ nest is disturbed, they may bite to defend their offspring.
• Accidental encounters – Rats have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell. In dark environments, a rat may bite exposed body parts like hands and fingers when searching for food
• Handling and aggression – If a person attempts to pick up or handle a wild rat, the animal may react aggressively. Domesticated rats, if not accustomed to human interaction, may also bite if they feel uneasy.

What Does a Rat Bite Look Like on a Human?

A rat bite on a human generally has the following characteristics:

• Small, individual wound – Rat bites usually result in a small, singular wound caused by rodents’ large front incisors.
• Puncture marks – If the rat is agitated, you may suffer multiple small cuts, which can be more serious than they look.
• Bleeding – These bites often lead to bleeding, as the wound can be deeper than it appears
• Swelling around the bitten area
• Redness – The bite site and the area around it often become red because of inflammation
• Pain – Rat bites are usually accompanied by pain.

If an infection occurs, additional symptoms may include:

• Pus – An infected bite may result in a pus-filled wound
• Slow healing process – The wound may take longer to heal, with symptoms potentially recurring for several months.

It is crucial to understand that untreated rat bites can lead to serious complications, such as rat-bite fever.

What Disease do Rats Carry

Rats carry several serious diseases that can infect humans. These rodent-borne illnesses can spread through direct contact, bites, scratches, contaminated food and water, or even airborne particles. Understanding the risks is crucial to protecting yourself and your home.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Hantavirus is one of the most serious diseases humans can contract from rats. This viral infection spreads primarily through inhaling dust contaminated with rat urine, droppings, or saliva. It can also be transmitted through rat bites. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache and severe respiratory distress, which can be fatal if left untreated.

How to Reduce the Risk

• Seal entry points to stop rats from getting inside your home
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming areas with rat droppings – use disinfectant sprays first
• Wear protective gloves and masks when cleaning areas with potential rat activity

Learn more about rodents and Hantavirus >

Rat-Bite Fever (RBF)

RBF is caused by S. moniliformis and S. minus bacteria carried by rats and other animals. This bacterial infection is transmitted through the bite of rats, scratches, or contact with rodent saliva or pee. It usually takes 3-10 days for people to show signs of illness after exposure. The RBF cannot be transmitted from one person to another and its symptoms include high fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, and joint pain.

If untreated S. moniliformis and S. minus bacteria can lead to severe infections that may affect various parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord, resulting in meningitis; the heart (causing endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis) as well as the kidneys, leading to nephritis, the liver (which can result in hepatitis) and the lungs (resulting in pneumonia).

Salmonellosis

Rats can contaminate food and water sources with Salmonella bacteria, leading to severe gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Outbreaks of salmonellosis often occur in areas with poor hygiene or if food is not stored properly.

How to Reduce the Risk:

• Store food in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
• Regularly clean food preparation areas and dispose of waste properly.
• Keep your home rodent-free with proper pest control measures.

Leptospirosis

This bacterial disease spreads through infected animals’ urine. People working in farms, barns, or flood-prone areas are at higher risk. Symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle pain, vomiting, and, in severe cases, liver or kidney damage.

How to Reduce the Risk:

• Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water.
• Wear protective gear when handling animals
• Apply waterproof bandages to wounds and scrapes
• Wash your hands frequently
• Keep away from contact with potentially infected animals

How to treat a rat bite?

Rat bites are very dangerous, so if you are bitten, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Follow these steps to reduce the risk of infection and complications:

1. Clean the wound immediately – Wash the bite thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove bacteria. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the tissue.
2. Apply antiseptic – Use an antiseptic product (like hydrogen peroxide or iodine) to disinfect the wound. This helps prevent bacterial infections from developing
3.  Cover the wound – Use a sterile bandage to protect the bite from dirt and bacteria. Keep the wound clean and change the bandage regularly.
4. Seek medical attention – Consult a healthcare professional promptly, especially if you notice any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. A tetanus booster or antibiotic may be necessary.

How to Prevent Rat Bites

Preventive measures are the most effective way to avoid being bitten by a rat and contracting potentially life-threatening diseases. By following these effective strategies, you can keep your home and surroundings safe from rat infestations.

1. Eliminate food sources

Rats are drawn to food scraps and garbage. To reduce the likelihood of these pests invading your space, consider the following measures:

• Store food in airtight, sealed containers.
• Dispose of garbage in tightly closed bins.
• Keep kitchen counters, floors, and pet food areas clean

2. Seal Entry Points

Block access to your home by:

• Seal the gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and foundations.
• Install door sweeps and mesh screens over vents
• Repair broken pipes and seal any openings around them

3. Maintain your home clean

Keep your home and yard tidy. Remove uneaten pet food, clean up food spills promptly, and store food in rodent-proof containers. Also, keep trees and shrubs trimmed back at least four feet from your home to reduce rats’ access points

4. Use traps and repellents

Prevent rats from settling in your space with:

• Rat traps – There are several types of traps used for rodent control – snap traps, which use a quick mechanism to kill the rodent instantly; electronic traps, which deliver a lethal shock to the animal; and live-catch traps, designed to safely capture the rodent alive so it can be relocated.
• Ultrasonic repellents – These devices emit high-frequency sounds. The frequencies are inaudible to the human ear but highly disturbing to pest species, making them an effective method for keeping unwanted rodents away.
• Natural deterrents – To deter rats from invading your space, consider using peppermint oil, ammonia, or mothballs. Their strong scent makes them great natural rat repellent and keeps rodents at bay.

5. Avoid handling wild rats

Wild rats can become aggressive when cornered. To stay safe never attempt to catch or handle them. If you come across a rat in your home or outdoors, be sure to maintain a safe distance. These creatures can carry diseases and may react unpredictably if they feel threatened.

It’s important also to educate children about potential risks, emphasizing that they should never try to touch a wild rat to avoid potential bites.

6. Monitor regularly

Conduct regular inspections of your property for signs of rat activity, such as rat droppings or gnawing marks. Take immediate action if you notice any signs

7. Proper pest control measures

If you suspect a rat infestation, taking swift action is crucial. Start by contacting a licensed pest control company that specializes in rat control. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively eliminate the problem.

Additionally, consider scheduling routine pest inspections with a certified exterminator to monitor your property for early signs of infestations. Regular checks can help identify potential problems before they escalate.

Follow the expert’s recommendations for long-term pest removal. This may include pest proofing, maintaining cleanliness, and implementing preventative measures to effectively get rid of rats in your home and protect your space.

Takeaways

While rat bites are not extremely common, they do occur, especially in areas with high rodent populations. Understanding the risks associated with rat bites and taking proper preventative measures can help reduce potential health issues. By maintaining good hygiene and proper pest control, you can significantly lower the chances of being bitten by a rat.

Have you found a rat in your home?