--- title: Protect Yourself from Rodent-Borne Diseases in New England description: Mice and rats in your home can pose serious health risks to people. Here's what you should know about rodent-borne diseases in New England. image: https://blog.burgesspest.com/hubfs/RODENTS/RODENT%20CRAWLING%20ON%20CARPET.jpeg --- [![Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png](https://blog.burgesspest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burgress_Oct2018/Images/Blog/Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png?width=468&name=Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png "Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png")](https://www.burgesspest.com) 508-587-4309  |    [Customer Login ](http://login.burgesspest.com/) - - - - - Residential - [Pad Protection Plans](https://www.burgesspest.com/pad-protection-plans/) - [Ant Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-ant-control/) - [Tick & Mosquito Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tick-mosquito-control/) - [Rodent Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-rodent-control/) - [Bee Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bee-control/) - [Insulation Cleanouts](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-insulation-cleanouts/) - [TAP® Insulation](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tap-insulation-installer/) - [Wildlife Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-wildlife-control/) - [Schedule an Inspection](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-an-inspection/) - Commercial - [Partnering with Burgess](https://www.burgesspest.com/partnering-with-burgess/) - [3-Part Plan](https://www.burgesspest.com/inspect-detect-correct/) - [A Higher Standard](https://www.burgesspest.com/higher-standard/) - [Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/services/) - [Disinfectant Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/disinfectant-services/) - [Sanitation Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/trash-chute-elevator-pit-cleaning/) - [Pest Management for Food Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/food-services-pest-management/) - [Pest Management for Warehousing & Distribution](https://www.burgesspest.com/warehouse-distribution-pest-management/) - [Our Guarantee](https://www.burgesspest.com/our-guarantee/) - [Pest Management for Healthcare](https://www.burgesspest.com/healthcare-pest-management/) - Termites - [Termite Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-termite-control/) - [The Sentricon System](https://www.burgesspest.com/the-sentricon-system/) - [Schedule an Inspection](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-a-termite-inspection/) - Bed Bugs - [Identifying Bed Bugs](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bed-bug-control/) - [Heat Treatments](https://www.burgesspest.com/bed-bug-heat-treatments-in-massachusetts/) - [Let’s Talk!](https://www.burgesspest.com/lets-talk-bugs/) - Resources - [Our Blog](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog) - [Video Library](https://www.burgesspest.com/video-library/) - [SDS](https://www.burgesspest.com/sds/) - [Consumer Bulletins](https://www.burgesspest.com/consumer-bulletins/) - Company - [Our Story](https://www.burgesspest.com/our-story/) - [Careers at Burgess](https://www.burgesspest.com/careers-at-burgess/) - [Service Areas](https://www.burgesspest.com/service-areas/) - [Customer Reviews](https://www.burgesspest.com/customer-reviews/) ## Our Blog # Protect Yourself from Rodent-Borne Diseases in New England By [Admin](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/author/admin)| Oct 13, 2021 1:30:00 PM |[0 Comments](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/protect-yourself-rodent-borne-diseases-new-england#comments-listing) There are many reasons that a [rodent](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-rodent-control/)infestation is a homeowner’s worst nightmare: Structural damage,[costly repairs](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-pest-problems), contaminated food and [insulation](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-insulation-cleanouts/), and rapid reproduction rates, to name a few. As [temperatures](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/tips-for-winter-pest-control) drop and close encounters with [mice](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/dispelling-some-myths-about-mice)and [rats](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/rodent-awareness-week-2020) become more common, it is also critical to be aware of the diseases these pests can spread to humans. Here’s what you should know about rodent-borne diseases in New England. Types of Diseases ![Rodent-Borne Diseases New England](https://blog.burgesspest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RODENTS/RODENT%20CRAWLING%20ON%20CARPET.jpeg?width=375&name=RODENT%20CRAWLING%20ON%20CARPET.jpeg) Hantavirus: A virus that is primarily transmitted when rodent waste or nesting materials are disturbed, allowing the virus to become airborne. It can also spread via rodent bites or contaminated food. Rat Bite Fever: As its name indicates, rat bite fever is contracted through a bite or scratch from an infected rodent. It can also be transmitted through contact with a dead rodent or consuming contaminated food or water. Salmonella: A bacteria that is passed to humans via contact with food or surfaces contaminated with rodent waste. Plague: Plague bacteria is most often spread by infected fleas, but can also be transmitted by direct contact with rodents or their waste. Pneumonic plague, the only plague that can be spread person to person, is developed after inhaling the bacteria. Lyme Disease: Mice can indirectly spread [Lyme disease](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/how-mice-can-spread-lyme-disease) to humans; when a tick feeds on a mouse carrying the bacteria, it can then infect a human host. Additionally, a mouse entering your home could be carrying dozens of infected [ticks](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tick-mosquito-control-2/) on its body. How to Protect Yourself Hands Off! Avoid handling rodents. If contact with mice or rats is necessary, wear proper protective gear such as gloves and masks. [Disinfect](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/disinfectant-services-pad-protect-disinfect)the area and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Pest Proofing: Seal cracks and crevices in foundation and walls, ensure screens are secure and close completely, and close off access points around utility chases and pipes to prevent rodents entering your home. Professional Help: While there are many[DIY options](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/help-us-help-you-diy-mouse-prevention) for rodent control, it is not recommended to tackle this problem completely on your own. Pest Management Professionals are trained in the safe removal and prevention of rodent infestations.   The experts at Burgess Pest Management have nearly a century of experience conquering rodent problems of all kinds. We come armed with the latest technology and a variety of services to Protect Your Pad from mice and rats: From [Pad Protection Plans,](https://www.burgesspest.com/pad-protection-plans/)to [Home Sealer and Sanitizer + Insulation Cleanout](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-insulation-cleanouts/), now with the option of [TAP® Insulation](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tap-insulation-installer/) for added pest protection, the Burgess team has your back. [Request a free estimate](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-an-inspection/) today, and while you’re at it, download a copy of our free [Fall Pest Guidebook](https://info.burgesspest.com/free-fall-pest-guide-massachusetts-rhode-island) for more information about rodents and other household pests! 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