Table of Contents
- How dangerous are rats for humans?
- How can humans get infected by rats?
- How can rat infestations be prevented?
- What to do if you see a rat in the park or on the street?
- Help, a rat! How dangerous are the animals to man?
Anyone walking in the Altona district of Hamburg towards the Elbe might encounter a small rodent along the way. The area between Altona station and the town hall is a rat hotspot. The animals are attracted because many people feed birds and wild animals there, as reported by NDR. It's a feast for the rats. Many cities face the same issue – there are many rats in some areas. In Hamburg, poisoned baits are used to combat the animals. Animal welfare organizations criticize this method of killing because it is unnecessarily cruel for the rodents.
Especially in summer, when people spend more time outdoors, there are occasional encounters with the rodent. But how dangerous are these animals for humans, and what should you do if you encounter one? Here's an overview.
How dangerous are rats for humans?
Normally, rats flee when they see a human. However, if they feel cornered, they can become aggressive and bite. Like any wound, there's a risk of infection. Additionally, according to the German Environment Agency, rats can transmit over 100 diseases.
How can humans get infected by rats?
Rats are omnivores. On their foraging trips, they traverse sewage canals, rummage through trash cans, find the remnants of picnics in the park, or dig through compost piles. They can pick up germs like salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and toxoplasmosis anywhere they go. Rats can transmit diseases to humans through bites, but also through their feces or urine. Fleas or ticks can also jump from rats to humans or their pets, transmitting diseases.
How can rat infestations be prevented?
Rats are magically drawn to food. Therefore, people should not feed birds, ducks, swans, or other wildlife in the park. Also, when picnicking or grilling in nature, leftover food should not be left behind in the green area. It's better to dispose of trash at home in a closed trash can.
At home, consumers can ensure they don't dispose of food scraps in the toilet and always throw away trash bags in closed bins. Yellow bags should be stored in a closed room and only put out on the street shortly before collection, as advised by the city of Stuttgart in a flyer.
Because once rats have found a food source, they can quickly become a big problem. A few rats can quickly become hundreds. The Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection roughly estimates that each rat has about 500 offspring per year. According to the German Environment Agency, a female rat can give birth to up to eight young ones up to six times a year, and they become sexually mature after about two months.
What to do if you see a rat in the park or on the street?
If you see a rat, you should report it to your local authorities. Rats are considered pests under the Infection Protection Act because they can transmit diseases to humans. In Hamburg, for example, you can do this at the Institute of Hygiene and the Environment.
The text mentions that rats can transmit over 100 diseases to humans, highlighting their potential danger. If humans come into contact with rat bites, feces, or urine, or if they are bitten by fleas or ticks that have been on rats, they risk contracting these diseases. Therefore, it's important to avoid contact with rats as much as possible and report any sightings to local authorities, as they are classified as pests due to their disease-transmitting capabilities.
