
RatMania! Rat Infestation and Asthma
How can Rats affect People with Asthma?
It is estimated that 20% of households include someone who is allergic to animals. Allergies to pet rats, dogs, cats and pests are common for many who are likely to have a great chance of exposure. Unfortunately, most inner-city residents are likely to be exposed to rats. And repeated exposure to rat allergens is likely to increase the risk of asthma and asthma morbidity. It is a misconception that rat fur causes allergies. It is exposure to rat dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine that can cause rat allergies and can, over time, trigger asthma in people. When rats groom they spread the saliva on their skin and fur. Rats pick up urine on their feet and other body parts. These allergens become airborne when they dry and flake off. And these allergens can hang around on surfaces for many years.Let’s Ponder Some Facts About Rats and Asthma in the United States
Adults with asthma is 8.2% Children with asthma is 9.5% In About 3.4% of 100,000, people will die of asthma this year. The numbers of people with asthma worldwide is difficult to come by. The WHO estimates that 235 Million people worldwide have asthma.Where are Rats found Indoors?
Rats need shelter, food, and water to live. Rats can best be found where it is dark and damp. Rats are commonly found in basements, attics, and tunnels. Rats like to hide and forage under sinks, stoves, refrigerators and other mechanical equipment, cardboard boxes, and in walls.Health Effects of Exposure to Rat Allergens
One study of eight inner-city sites found rat allergens to be very common in households. Sensitization to rat allergens is also very common. And because asthma is a serious disease, exposure to rat allergens can have a significant impact on asthma morbidity. Research suggests that exposure to rats increases the risk of asthma among inner-city dwellers. And a study in Baltimore suggests that 21% of the children in the study area were sensitized to rat allergen. The children sensitized with rat allergen had 50% more unscheduled doctor visits due to asthma. These children were also 6 times more likely to need hospitalization for asthma than children who were not exposed or sensitized!Preventing Rat Induced Asthma

- Keep home and facility clean and dry.
- Use an Integrated Pest Management program, like Green Pest Management, instead of chemicals to get rid of pests.
- Do not leave food containers open. All food and consumables should be in plastic or glass containers.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in any sink or room.
- Do not leave pet food and water out overnight.
- Remove garbage, food remains, and liquid spills around food preparation areas and trash cans every day. Sweep and mop floors when necessary.
- Take trash out every day. Never let trash overflow.
- Use trash cans that seal out pests and use trash bags that resist breakage.
- Look for and service plumbing leaks and moisture problems.
- Seal cracks around the foundation, windows and doors. Don’t forget to seal openings where pipes and electrical conduit enter the facility.
- Replace cardboard storage boxes with plastic containers.
- Monitor for infestations with sticky or mechanical traps or baits. IPM and Green Pest Management techniques do not recommend the use of pellet or granular baits.
- Use low-impact, green pesticides only after consulting your pest control expert. Green Pest Management is best around people who have asthma.
Conclusion on Rat Infestations and Asthma
Rat allergens are prevalent in many inner-city buildings. Exposure to rat allergens contribute to an increase in asthma symptoms and asthma related morbidity. The exposure can be determined by demographics and household determination. Call today at 1-800-986-1006 for help with a rat infestation. You’re also welcome to complete the form below and a caring Hearts Pest Management representative will contact you shortly.Locations
City Services for Pest Control in Los Angeles
Agoura Hills | Northridge | |
Alhambra | Pacific Palisades | |
Arcadia | Palos Verdes Estates | |
Beverly Hills | Pasadena | |
Burbank | Pomona | |
Calabasas | Rancho Palos Verdes | |
Cerritos | Redondo Beach | |
City of Industry | Reseda | |
City of Los Angeles | Rolling Hills Estates | |
Claremont | San Marino | |
Culver City | Santa Fe Springs | |
Cypress | Santa Monica | |
Diamond Bar | Sherman Oaks | |
El Monte | Sylmar | |
El Segundo | Tarzana | |
Encino | Temple City | |
Glendale | Toluca Lake | |
Granada Hills | Torrance | |
Hacienda Heights | Venice | |
Hidden Hills | Walnut | |
Hollywood | West Covina | |
La Verne | West Hollywood | |
Long Beach | West Los Angeles | |
Malibu | Westlake Village | |
Manhattan Beach | Whittier | |
Marina Del Rey | Woodland Hills | |
North Hollywood | ||
City Services for Pest Control in Orange County
Aliso Viejo | Laguna Hills | |
Anaheim | Laguna Niguel | |
Brea | Lake Forest | |
Buena Park | Los Alamitos | |
Capistrano Beach | Mission Viejo | |
City of Orange | Newport Beach | |
Corona Del Mar | Orange | |
Costa Mesa | Rancho Santa Margarita | |
Dana Point | Rossmoor | |
Fountain Valley | San Clemente | |
Fullerton | San Juan Capistrano | |
Garden Grove | Santa Ana | |
Huntington Beach | Tustin | |
Irvine | Villa Park | |
La Habra | Westminster | |
Laguna Beach | Yorba Linda | |
City Services for Pest Control in San Diego
4S Ranch | Rancho Penasquitos | |
Poway | Scripps Ranch | |
Rancho Bernardo | ||
Descanso | Ramona | |
Julian | Santa Ysabel | |
Pine Valley | ||
Bonsall | Hidden Meadows | |
Escondido | Pauma Valley | |
Fallbrook | Valley Center | |
Carlsbad | Pacific Beach | |
Coronado | Point Loma | |
La Costa | San Ysidro | |
Mira Mesa | The City of San Diego | |
Otay Mesa | ||
Cardiff by the Sea | Oceanside | |
Carmel Valley | Rancho Santa Fe | |
Del Mar | San Marcos | |
Encinitas | Solana Beach | |
La Jolla | Vista | |
Alpine | Imperial Beach | |
Bonita | Jamul | |
Chula Vista | La Mesa | |
East Lake Chula Vista | Lakeside | |
El Cajon | Santee | |
City Services for Pest Control in Riverside
Canyon Lake | Norco | |
Chino Hills | Perris | |
Corona | Sun City | |
Eastvale | Temecula | |
Lake Elsinore | The City of Riverside | |
Menifee | Wildomar | |
Moreno Valley | Winchester | |
Murrieta | ||
City Services for Pest Control in San Bernardino
Chino | Ontario | |
Fontana | Rancho Cucamonga | |
Highland | Redlands | |
Loma Linda | Upland | |
Montclair | Yucaipa | |