No one is thrilled about a rodent infestation in their home. Not only do they spread a lot of diseases, but they can also get into your food and force you to throw everything out. When hiring an exterminator, here are ten of the most common questions you might want to ask them about.
1. What Are Rodents?
Rodents are mammals that have specific characteristics that set them apart from other mammals. A Rodent Exterminator will describe a rodent as an animal that has a continuously growing pair of incisors on their top and lower jaws.
2. Can People Be Allergic to Rodents?
If you ask an exterminator whether rodent allergies are possible, they’re likely to tell you yes. If you experience sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing or any symptoms related to asthma, you might have a rodent allergy.
3. Are Rodent Allergies Common?
Rodent proteins are allergenic (a substance that causes allergic reactions) by nature, which means that it can be pretty common for an allergy to occur. At least 1/3 of people have an allergic reaction when they’re in the presence of rodents.
4. What Causes Rodent Allergies To Flare Up?
As mentioned before, these allergens are present in rodent proteins. These proteins are found in a rodent’s saliva, urine, and skin. An allergic reaction could occur through physical contact or these substances being present in the air.
5. How Are Rodent Allergies Diagnosed?
Most allergy tests need to be conducted by trained medical doctors who know what to look for. If you think that you might have a rodent allergy, your doctor will likely put you through a skin prick test or blood test to determine what you’re allergic to.
6. Are Rodent Allergies Curable?
Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction, the best option might be to stay away from rodents altogether. But if that’s not possible, then you could take allergy shots, inhalers, or antihistamines to reduce your symptoms. You might also want to contact an exterminator in order to remove the rodent problem from your home.
7. Can Rodent Allergies Develop Later In Life?
While some allergies will present themselves early on in a child’s life, it is possible for adults to develop allergies to other factors later on in life that they previously had no problems with. That’s why it’s a good idea to get an allergy test every few years to see if your immune system is changing over time.
8. Are Rodent Allergies Genetic?
There is sometimes a hereditary component to allergies, meaning that they can sometimes be passed from parent to child. However, it’s not unheard of that allergies can skip a generation.
9. How Can I Keep Rodents Out?
One of the best ways to reduce your rodent allergies is to keep them out in the first place. Examine your home to see if there are any small entry points that mice or rats can use to get in. An experienced exterminator can help you with this process.
10. How Do I Make My Home Less Attractive To Rodents?
Rodents are less likely to enter your home if you don’t make it attractive to them in the first place. Don’t leave out sugary food, remove rubbish piles in your yard, and dispose of any household recycling.
Taking care of rodents isn’t an easy endeavor, so don’t hesitate to contact an exterminator as soon as possible to help you out with your rodent problem.
