Can A Rodent Infestation Impact Mental Health?

The consequences of a pest infestation to the structure of a house are often discussed and are the main reason why people seek services for wildlife removal in Newmarket. For example, it is pretty well-known that mice chew on electrical wires, increasing the risk of a fire, and termites can cause large amounts of damage to items made from wood. The physical health dangers of wildlife, such as the diseases that they can carry, are also well-documented. However, what is not discussed as often are the mental health consequences that occur to people who are dealing with a severe rodent or insect invasion. Here are some of the unseen mental health ramifications of a rodent infestation. 

Fear

Many people dislike rodents such as mice and rats, as they are unfamiliar critters, remind people of disease spread, and make unpleasant noises. However, some people have something that is known as musophobia, which is an extreme and intense fear of mice and rats. As with all phobias, this goes beyond a simple dislike of the animal and can result in very real physical symptoms, such as:

• Panic attacks and intense anxiety 
• Migraines and other headaches 
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Aches and pains
• Dry mouth

Some people have had symptoms of musophobia for as long as they can remember, while others develop the phobia after they have experienced an infestation. People who are already prone to anxiety and panic may be especially at risk for developing musophobia following a rodent infestation. Because of this, it is important for people to recognize when they need to seek out mental health care. Treatments such as psychotherapy can be helpful to many who experience phobias, fear, and panic. 

Stress

Even for people who do not have a specific phobia of rodents, an infestation can cause a large amount of stress. For example, people who are living paycheck to paycheck may worry about how they will afford pest control services to help get rid of the problem.  After getting rid of the problem, stress can still occur due to not knowing if or when the infestation will come back. A wildlife removal service can educate people on ways to seal off their homes and prevent future infestations from occurring. However, it may still take some time to recover from the ordeal and have a person's mental health return to what it was previously.  Most people experience at least a little bit of stress each day, as it is a normal survival instinct. However, mental health consequences can occur when someone is under constant stress, as in the case of a continuous infestation. Long-term stress can lead to insomnia, depression, anxiety, muscle pain and tension, and substance abuse disorder. 

Worry Regarding Diseases

Diseases are a great concern when it comes to pests entering a home, and one of the main reasons why it is wise to contact a professional rat control service to remove the species in question. The most common ways that rodents spread disease are through their urine, feces, and saliva. Handling rodents puts people at risk of bites and coming into contact with their excrements unless the person wears proper protective gear.  Since worry can lead to a multitude of mental and physical health issues, it is important to get a rodent infestation under control as soon as possible.  A professional service such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help ease your mind and humanely take care of a rodent infestation in your home. Give us a call as soon as you notice signs of an infestation to take care of the problem as soon as possible.