Hantavirus: A Silent but Deadly Threat
The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, from complications related to hantavirus has brought renewed attention to this dangerous disease.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and can be fatal even with medical intervention.
Early symptoms mimic common illnesses—fever, fatigue, and muscle aches—making diagnosis challenging.
By the time more severe respiratory symptoms develop, the disease is often advanced.
Gene Hackman’s wife tragic death highlights that hantavirus isn’t just a remote risk; it’s a present danger wherever rodents appear.
According to Dr. Michael Collins of the National Public Health Emergency Team, “Hantavirus cases remain rare in Ireland, but with increasing rat populations in urban areas, vigilance is essential. Any rodent infestation should be treated as a potential health emergency.”
Beyond Hantavirus: A Host of Health Concerns
Rats are known carriers of numerous other pathogens:
- Leptospirosis, which can cause liver and kidney damage
- Salmonellosis, leading to severe food poisoning
- Rat-bite fever, which can develop even from minor scratches
- Various parasites including ticks and fleas that spread additional diseases
When you contact a pest control company for rodent removal, you’re not merely addressing a nuisance—you’re protecting your family from serious health risks that can develop rapidly after exposure.
The Growing National Rat Crisis
Rat Control Dublin
Recent environmental reports show rat populations increasing.
In January 2025, there was a 42% increase in recorded rodent activity nationwide compared to the same period in the previous year.
Cork experienced a 94% rise, while Dublin saw a 29% increase in rodent infestations.(Source:Rentokil)
Urban development, changing weather patterns, and waste management challenges have created the perfect conditions for rodent populations to thrive.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre reported a 22% increase in rat-related public health incidents last year.
When considering options for pest control near me, many homeowners don’t realize they’re not just addressing a household nuisance but contributing to a broader public health initiative.
Beyond the Disgust Factor: Serious Health Risks
While many view rats primarily as a disgusting nuisance, the health threats they pose demand urgent attention. When searching for “pest control for rats,” most people are thinking about removing an unwelcome visitor—not preventing potentially life-threatening diseases.
Property Damage: The Financial Impact of Infestation
The destructive capacity of rats extends far beyond health concerns. As a pest control Dublin specialist, I’ve witnessed countless cases of significant property damage from unchecked infestations:
- Electrical fires caused by rats chewing through wiring (contributing to approximately 8% of residential fires according to insurance statistics)
- Structural damage to foundations, walls, and support beams
- Destroyed insulation, creating energy efficiency issues
- Compromised plumbing systems leading to major water damage
- Contaminated food storage areas requiring professional decontamination
The average cost of repairs following a severe rat infestation exceeds €3,000, not including the pest control services themselves. Insurance often covers only a portion of these damages, making prevention through early intervention the financially correct choice.
Identifying a Rat Problem: Earlier Than You Think
Many homeowners make a critical mistake: waiting until they actually see a rat before seeking help. By then, you’re likely dealing with a well-established infestation.
Early warning signs that should prompt immediate calls to professional pest control include:
- Scratching sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors (particularly at night)
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, or structural elements
- Droppings resembling dark grains of rice in cupboards or along walls
- Unusual pet behavior—cats or dogs suddenly interested in specific walls or areas
- Unexplained food disappearance or damage
- Musky, ammonia-like odors in enclosed spaces
If you notice any of these signs, searching for “pest control near me” should not be tomorrow’s task—it should be today’s priority.
Impact on the Community
Your rat problem doesn’t exist in isolation. One untreated household infestation can quickly spread, affecting entire neighborhoods. This community dimension highlights why pest control Dublin services emphasize rapid response strategies.
Rats reproduce at staggering rates—a single female can produce up to 60 offspring annually.
Within three months, those offspring begin reproducing themselves. Mathematically, one pair of rats can theoretically lead to a population of over 1,200 within a year if left unchecked.
Dublin pest control professionals report that neighborhood-wide infestations often trace back to a single untreated property.
Your decision to address your rat problem promptly isn’t just self-protection—it’s community responsibility.
Beyond DIY: Why Professional Intervention Matters
The Internet offers countless DIY solutions for rat problems, from ultrasonic repellents to homemade traps.
While tempting, these approaches rarely address the root causes of infestation and can give homeowners a false sense of security while populations continue growing behind walls and under floors.
Professional pest control offers critical advantages:
- Comprehensive property assessment identifying entry points and nesting areas
- Knowledge of rat behavior patterns to place control measures effectively
- Access to professional-grade treatments unavailable to consumers (check our rat flaps)
- Preventative strategies to prevent re-infestation
- Safe application methods that protect household members and pets
When selecting a Dublin pest control company, look for firms offering integrated pest management approaches that address both immediate infestation and long-term prevention.
Not Just Rats: Comprehensive Protection
While this article focuses on rat control, Dublin residents need professional pest management that addresses multiple threats. The same company handling your rodent removal can often provide:
- Wasp nest removal Dublin
- Comprehensive treatment for other pests like cockroaches and bedbugs
- Preventative services for seasonal pest issues
- Mice Extermination
Most professional pest control companies offer package services that prove more economical than addressing each issue separately.
Action Plan: What to Do Right Now
If you suspect rats on your property, follow this urgent action plan:
✅🔴 Secure food sources immediately – Place all food in sealed containers, including pet food.
✅🔴 Document evidence – Take photos of droppings or damage for the pest control professional.
✅🔴 Inform neighbors – Alert them to potential community spread.
✅🔴 Clean safely – Use appropriate protective equipment when cleaning potential contamination.
✅🔴 Address entry points – Temporarily seal obvious holes while awaiting professional hel
Remember: The average rat can squeeze through an opening the size of a 2€ coin. Professional assessment is crucial for identifying all potential entry points.
Conclusion: The Cost of Waiting vs. The Value of Action
The decision to address a rat problem isn’t about whether you can tolerate seeing the occasional rodent—it’s about protecting your family’s health, your property’s integrity, and your community’s well being.
With hantavirus and other serious health threats associated with rat infestations, waiting even a few days can have serious consequences.
The minimal cost of professional pest control services pales in comparison to potential medical bills, property repairs, and the psychological stress of living with an infestation.
When searching for “rodents removal near me” or “rat control Dublin,” remember you’re not just hiring someone to remove an annoyance—you’re investing in comprehensive protection for everything that matters most.
For Dublin residents experiencing any signs of rat activity, the message from public health officials and pest control experts is unanimous:
Act now. Your family’s safety may depend on it.
James McGuiness has over 15 years experience in rat pest control. He knows what works and what doesn’t. Contact him directly by clicking the Contact button below.