Health risks from rats
Rats can carry bacteria and other germs in their urine, droppings and saliva, and can contaminate food, surfaces and water. The risk to an individual is usually low, but it is real, especially if you handle rats, droppings or contaminated soil and water without protection.
Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease)
According to the NHS, leptospirosis, also called Weil’s disease, is an infection you can get from animals, soil or water, and it is rare in the UK. It is spread in the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats, mice, cows, pigs and dogs. You can get it if soil or fresh water (for example from a river, canal or lake) that contains infected urine gets into your mouth, eyes or a cut, or if you touch an infected animal’s blood or flesh. The NHS says it is very rare to get it from pets, other people or bites.
Most people who get leptospirosis have no symptoms, or mild flu-like symptoms, but some become seriously ill. If you might have been exposed and develop a high temperature, a headache, aches and pains, sickness or red eyes, see a GP. Ask for urgent help or call NHS 111 for symptoms such as yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), a rash, chest pain or shortness of breath. It can usually be treated with antibiotics. Read the NHS leptospirosis page for details.
Food contamination
Rats can contaminate stored food, worktops and packaging with droppings and urine. Throw away any food they’ve touched, and clean and disinfect surfaces.
Damage rats cause
- Cables and wiring. Rats gnaw constantly, and chewed insulation on electrical cables in a loft or wall is a fire risk.
- Pipes. Gnawed plastic pipes can leak and cause water damage.
- Insulation and stored items. Rats tear up insulation for nesting and contaminate stored belongings.
- Structure and gardens. Burrows can undermine paving, sheds and decking.
See loft rat removal for what a proper inspection looks for.
Are rats dangerous to pets?
Pets can catch and be bitten by rats, and can be exposed to germs if they eat or mouth a dead rat. The bigger risk is poison: pets can be harmed by eating bait or by eating a poisoned rat. Keep bait in secured stations, tell your technician about your pets, and keep pets away from dead rats. If you think a pet has eaten rat poison, contact a vet straight away and take the packaging.
Do rats bite?
Rats will bite if they feel cornered or are handled, but they prefer to avoid people. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and seek medical advice, particularly if the wound is deep or becomes red, swollen or painful.
How to clean up safely
- Ventilate the area first if it is enclosed.
- Wear gloves and, in a loft or confined space, a mask.
- Don’t sweep or vacuum dry droppings. Dampen them, wipe up with paper towels, and put them in a sealed bag.
- Disinfect the surface with a household disinfectant, following the label.
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, and wash clothes that touched contaminated areas.
For a large area, nests or a strong smell, it’s sensible to let the technician handle the clean-up.
Reducing the risk
- Deal with the first signs of rats promptly.
- Keep food and pet food in sealed containers, and bins closed.
- Seal entry points after treatment. See rat proofing.
- Wear gloves when gardening near suspected burrows, and wash your hands after.
Rat danger questions
Can you get sick from rat droppings?
Rats can carry infections, so avoid touching droppings with bare hands, don’t sweep them dry, and clean with gloves and disinfectant. The overall risk is low if you take precautions.
Is Weil’s disease common in the UK?
The NHS describes leptospirosis as rare in the UK. It is most often linked to contact with contaminated water or soil, or with animals.
Are rats a fire risk?
Yes. Gnawed electrical cables can be a fire hazard, especially in lofts and wall voids. If you suspect cables have been chewed, have them checked by a qualified electrician.
Should I be worried if I’ve seen one rat?
Not panicked, but it’s worth acting. Look for burrows, droppings and gnawing, remove food sources and get any signs checked.
This site connects households and businesses in the Newark-on-Trent area with an independent local rat-control technician. We are not the servicing contractor and do not carry out treatment ourselves. See our terms & disclosure.