Rodent Extermination in Potomac, MD

Rodents are known for having massive populations across a vast distribution of places worldwide. They tend to live in close proximity to humans, using our infrastructures, resources, and even waste to their advantage. These mammals are very destructive to homes and can end up causing thousands of dollars in damages. In addition to hefty repair costs, these pests can also make a dent in your wallet through trips to the doctor as they can carry and pass a variety of very dangerous diseases. Some of the most common illnesses they infect people with include:

• Hantavirus – Hantavirus is actually a group of several different debilitating virus’ that can infect a person’s respiratory system, kidneys, or blood and, in some serious cases, is fatal. Rodents can pass hantavirus through bites, direct contact with mouse urine or droppings, or if droppings or nesting materials get shifted enough to cause the disease to become airborne.
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) – This disease is caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and can be contracted through direct contact with the saliva, nesting materials, and excrements of infected rodents. When infected, people may experience flu-like symptoms in the first phase of the disease, while the second stage of the virus advances to attack the neurological centers of the body causing some highly debilitating symptoms. In more extreme cases, infected individuals can experience inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, increased fluid on the brain, or even inflammation of the heart muscles.
• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) – HFRS is actually a subfamily of hantavirus’ that includes: nephropathia epidemica, Korean hemorrhagic fever, and epidemic hemorrhagic fever. Depending on the specific virus that caused the HFRS, the systems can vary in severity from more basic symptoms such as intense headaches, blurred vision, fever or chills, to drastic and life-threatening symptoms. Due to the vast varieties of the disease, a mortality rate for cases is difficult to nail down however the average seems to be between 1%-15% of cases are potentially fatal. If caught early, an antiviral drug can be administered to curb the effects of the disease and greatly decrease the virus’ chances to advance to a fatal stage. While it’s fantastic that these treatments are available, prevention is the best course of action when it comes to any of these rodent-borne diseases.