Can Squirrels Spread Diseases?

Squirrels are cute little critters that are depicted in one too many movies. While they are portrayed to be fun companions, they can actually be dangerous inside your household.

Squirrels residing in your shed, attic or your chimneys are big bad news. These little critters will chew on your electrical wires and other utility cables, which may cause a fire. Their endless chattering can also be frustrating to many homeowners plus the fact that they can defecate and urinate all over your property.

But not all squirrel damage is apparent. These nasty little creatures can spread disease inside your home without you even knowing it. They pose a big health hazard to you and your children so at the first sight of these rodents (yes, they are rodents belonging to the same order as rats), you have to hurry and call Ottawa wildlife control immediately.

Still not convinced? Well, let us run you through some of the nasty diseases that these big-toothed creatures can bring inside your home:

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome or HPS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPS is a severe disease affecting the respiratory system. In some cases, this is also fatal, especially when left undiagnosed and untreated. HPS is caused by a Hantavirus infection and the greatest risk comes from exposure to infected rodents such as squirrels and rats.
• Lassa Fever. The initial recorded occurrence of this event was in Africa in the 1960s and is known to be zoonotic (transmitted by animals). Infection can happen when exposed to an infected rodent. While 80% of the infections are mild in nature, ranging just from fever to malaise, this disease may progress into a more serious incident. In 20% of the infected persons, hemorrhage, repeated vomiting and facial swelling can be experienced.
• Rat-Bite Fever or RBF. RBF can be a serious disease if left untreated. This disease is caused by two different bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through infected rodents or consumption of water or food that has been contaminated. Symptoms range from fever, muscle and joint pain, rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
• Tularemia. This disease is caused by the bacterium, Francisella tularensis, which usually infects rodents. Transmission to humans comes from skin contact with animals that are infected especially when there are open wounds or ingestion of contaminated water. Common symptoms are sore throat, mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis (when it comes into contact with your eyes) and swelling of lymph glands.

We all know that protecting your family’s health is your top priority. Know that these animals invading your home can also transmit some of the fatal diseases that you are wary of. It is therefore imperative to take extra measures in making sure that they do not gain access inside your home.

Call Ottawa wildlife control services like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to assist you with this wildlife problem. It is best to leave removal of these creatures to the expert hands of Skedaddles Ottawa wildlife control technicians because employing DIY measures may only result to more problems in the future. Remember that improper handling of squirrels may turn them aggressive and aggression in animals is always bad news.

Protect your family from unforeseen dangers by getting rid of wildlife creatures that cohabit with you. Call your reliable Skedaddle Wildlife Technician immediately and let the professionals bring these animals back to the wild where they belong.