South Sydney Pest Control – Protecting Your Family’s Health
A Silent Threat
Are you dealing with a rodent problem in Sydney this winter? Before reaching for the traps or bait for a DIY job make sure you read on. DIY pest control can expose you to a serious bacteria called Rat Bite Fever (and it doesn’t even need to bite you or even scratch the skin). Rat bite fever is a serious but often overlooked health risk.
A recent article in the NZ Herald’s Northern Advocate mentions a woman who ended up hospital after she trapped a rat but failed to take enough safety precautions (such as wearing gloves so there is a barrier between her fingers/hands and the rat’s body).
Here’s why it matters…
Rat Bite Fever is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. It can be transmitted through the tiniest contact with rodents. Although it is a relatively rare issue in Australia, this case in New Zealand demonstrates why professional and experienced pest management is crucial for both effectiveness and safety.
The recent case from New Zealand highlights the severe dangers in dealing with rats without the right equipment and experience.
Here’s what happened…
A 70 year old woman who was experienced in using traps, contracted RBF after only briefly touching a live rat with her bare thumb while it attempted to escape a trap. Despite her extensive knowledge and immediate hand washing as well as applying antiseptic cream, she developed a serious infection that landed her in hospital. “What makes this illness particularly concerning is that there was no visible wound – no scratch, no blood, nothing to indicate infection,” explains Jason Simpson, lead technician at South Sydney Pest Control. “Yet within days, this woman required hospitalisation for blood poisoning that could well have been fatal without prompt treatment.”
Understanding Rat Bite Fever
Rat Bite Fever can be caused by two different bacteria found in rats’ mouths:
- Streptobacillus moniliformis
- Spirillum minus
The infection can spread through:
- Bites or scratches from rodents
- Contact with rat saliva or urine
- Handling contaminated materials like bedding or traps
- Contact with infected pet rats
- Consuming food or drinks contaminated by rats
What makes RBF particularly dangerous is that symptoms may not appear until 3-10 days after exposure. Initial signs include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- A distinctive rash (in some cases)
- Swelling or inflammation at the contact site
Without proper antibiotic treatment, the infection can progress to serious complications including endocarditis (heart infection), meningitis, pneumonia, and even death.
The Australian Context
While documented cases of Rat Bite Fever are in fact, relatively rare in Australia, our rodent populations do carry the bacteria responsible for this disease. Sydney’s warm climate and urban environment create ideal conditions for year-round rodent activity, particularly in densely populated areas.
“Australian pest control professionals receive specific training on rodent-borne diseases including Rat Bite Fever,” says Jason Simpson, Owner and pest controller at South Sydney Pest Control. “This training is part of what separates professionals from DIY approaches.”
In addition to RBF, Australian rats and mice can carry other serious diseases including:
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonellosis
- Hantavirus
- Queensland Typhus
- Parasites like fleas and ticks that cause additional health concerns
Protecting Your Family
To reduce the risk of Rat Bite Fever and other rodent-borne diseases:
- Call professionals for rodent problems. Trained technicians like those at South Sydney Pest Control use appropriate protective equipment and safe disposal methods.
- Never handle rodents with bare hands. If you must handle traps, always wear thick gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Seal entry points to prevent rodents from entering your home in the first place.
- Keep food properly stored in sealed containers to discourage rodent activity.
- Maintain cleanliness in your home, particularly in kitchen areas.
- If bitten or scratched by a rodent, wash the area immediately with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and seek medical attention promptly.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you’ve had contact with rodents and develop fever, headache, muscle pain, or notice swelling at a potential contact site, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to inform healthcare providers about your exposure to rodents, as RBF requires specific antibiotic treatment.
Professional Solutions
South Sydney Pest Control offers comprehensive rodent management solutions that prioritise both effectiveness and safety. Our trained technicians use integrated pest management approaches that address current infestations while preventing future problems.
“Many homeowners don’t realise that professional pest control is as much about health protection as it is about eliminating nuisance pests,” notes Jason Simpson, owner of South Sydney Pest Control. “With serious conditions like Rat Bite Fever in the picture, the value of professional service becomes clear.”
For safe, effective rodent control that protects your family’s health, contact South Sydney Pest Control today on 1300 793898.
Remember: When it comes to pest control, expertise matters for more than just results—it matters for your health.