Rat Bites
Key Points
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Rats rarely bite: They usually avoid humans and only bite when they feel cornered or threatened.
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Infection risk is real: While rabies is extremely rare in rodents, rat-bite fever (RBF) and tetanus are genuine concerns.
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Immediate action matters: Thoroughly cleaning the wound with soap and water is the first line of defense.
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See a professional: Always consult a healthcare provider after a rodent bite to check for infection and update tetanus shots.
Do rats bite people?
The short answer is yes, but it’s not their favorite pastime. Rats are generally shy creatures that prefer to scurry away in the shadows rather than pick a fight. However, like most animals, they have survival instincts.
Why would a rat bite you? Rats typically bite for two reasons:
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Self-Defense: If a rat feels cornered, trapped, or handled roughly, it will lash out to protect itself. This is why trying to corner a rat in your garage is a bad idea.
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Confusion: Occasionally, if your hands smell like food, a rat with poor eyesight might mistake a finger for a snack.
Rat Bite vs. Spider Bite
Identifying the cause of a mysterious mark can be difficult if you didn't see the creature responsible. Homeowners often mistake various skin irritations for spider bites, but it is important to distinguish between a rodent and an arachnid bite for proper treatment.
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Rat Bites: These typically cause a single deep puncture wound or several distinct abrasions. Because rats have significant jaw strength, the bite usually results in immediate, sharp pain and noticeable bleeding.
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Spider Bites: These are usually not very noticeable immediately after the bite occurs. Unlike the immediate trauma of a rat bite, spider bite symptoms, such as swelling, itching, or a slow-developing sore, usually manifest over several hours or days
Rat Bite Symptoms
The common symptoms of a rat bite are pain, redness, swelling around the bite and, if secondary infection occurs, a weeping, pus-filled wound. Other rat bite symptoms may include those associated with bacterial infections known as Streptobacillary rat bite fever and Spirillary rat bite fever.
Diseases Transmitted by Rats
While the bite itself is painful, the bacteria the rat leaves behind is the real problem. Rats are known carriers of several pathogens.
Rat-Bite Fever (RBF)
Rat Bite Fever is a serious illness caused by bacteria found in a rat’s mouth and nose, transmitted through bites or scratches. If left untreated, RBF can become life-threatening. There are two main types of RBF, each with distinct symptoms:
Streptobacillary RBF (Common in North America):
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Symptoms usually appear 3–10 days after a bite
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Muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, and fever
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Nausea and vomiting
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Rash on hands and feet
Spirillary RBF (More common in Asia):
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Symptoms typically occur 1–3 weeks after a bite
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Repetitive fevers
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Ulcer at the bite site with swelling
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Rash
Tetanus
Because rats spend time in dirty environments, their teeth can introduce tetanus spores into your bloodstream. If your tetanus immunization isn't up to date (usually within the last 10 years), a bite puts you at risk. Tetanus symptoms can include muscle stiffness or spasms, difficulty swallowing, jaw pain (often called lockjaw), fever, and sweating. If you notice any of these after a rat bite, seek medical help immediately.
Rabies
According to the CDC, small rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels are almost never found to be infected with rabies. While not impossible, transmission of rabies from a rat to a human has not been documented in the United States.
What to Do If a Rat Bites You
If you or a family member has been bitten by a rat, don't panic, but do act quickly.
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Control the bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
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Clean the wound: This is the most critical step. Wash the area gently but thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove saliva and bacteria.
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Disinfect: Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
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Seek Medical Help: Even if the wound looks clean, see a doctor. You may need a tetanus booster or a course of antibiotics to prevent Rat-Bite Fever.
If a rat gets close enough to bite, it usually means they are getting too comfortable in your home. Don’t wait for another encounter. Contact your local Orkin branch for an inspection and professional rodent control to help keep your household safe.
More Rat Resources
Rats are highly adaptable, social rodents that communicate through scent and sound, often nesting near food sources and exhibiting strong survival instincts.
Rats can spread dangerous diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella through their droppings, urine, and bites, posing serious health risks.
Common rat species include Norway rats, roof rats, and Polynesian rats, each differing in size, habits, and preferred nesting environments.
Signs of a rat infestation include droppings, gnaw marks, nests, foul odors, and scratching noises, often near food sources or hidden spaces.
Rat tracks often appear as small footprints and tail marks in dusty or muddy areas, helping identify active rodent pathways.