SARS: Carriers, Symptoms, Treatment

SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The first cases of the illness occurred in 2002 in China. The contagious nature of the illness and slow response led to its rapid spread around the world. The virus lives in some wild civets and bats in China and found in certain laboratory cultures.

Causes

Several coronaviruses infect humans and animals, the common cold is one of the diseases caused by these viruses. Scientists suggest that the virus originated in wild bats then infected civets and other similar mammals. The virus mutated to infect people eventually; the virus infected humans because bats serve as food in certain parts of Asia. Civets are cat-like animals that live in Asia and Africa, they create musk using their scent glands, which are used in perfumes. In certain parts of the world, these animals are hunted for their meat.

The disease spreads from person to person through secretions. In its first outbreak, SARS infected people who were caring for a sick person and spread easily in healthcare facilities until the establishment of control measures.

The virus can infect a person regardless of age or health; however, there were people who had a higher risk during the outbreak of the disease in 2002. The people at risk during that time were individuals 50 years old and above, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or liver disease. One of the biggest risk factors is close association with an infected person since the virus may spread through droplets sprayed by talking, sneezing or coughing.

Symptoms

An infected person begins to display the symptoms between two to seven days after infection. The illness is similar to influenza and may last for up to one week. Symptoms of the disease include:

1. Headache
2. Chills
3. Fever
4. Muscle aches
5. Poor appetite

After the initial symptoms, a patient suffers from a syndrome similar to atypical pneumonia, including dry cough, progressively worsening dyspnea and inability to maintain oxygenation. Progression may be rapid or spread over several days. Severely affected individuals develop a life-threatening respiratory failure called adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Treatments

Patients suffering from SARS often need oxygen and severe cases may need mechanical ventilation. Severely ill patients must be sent to the intensive-care unit for treatment. There has yet to be a proven effective treatment for SARS, and treatments are supportive and directed by a person’s condition.

While not all breeds of bats carry SARS, it is important to stay alert when they infest your home. The best way to avoid infection from bats of any disease is to let professional Ottawa wildlife control handle them. Ottawa wildlife control companies such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control have the necessary experience and equipment to get rid of bats to avoid and prevent infection and spread of any disease they may be carrying.

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How to Handle an Injured or Dead Bat

Have bats infested your property? If so, you must be wary of handling them whenever you see an injured or dead one. Bats may transmit all sorts of bacteria, germs and diseases, if you are not careful about handling them. The best way to handle injured or dead bats is to get professional Ottawa wildlife control companies to do it for you.

Diseases Caused by Bats

Bats may spread life-threatening diseases such as histoplasmosis or rabies.

Rabies is the most well-known illness that bats may transmit. Other than bats, you may get rabies from rabid animals such as dogs, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Exposure to this disease takes place when a rabid animal bites you. You may also get an infection when the saliva from an infected animal comes in contact with your nose, eyes, mouth or a fresh wound. .

The incubation of rabies varies in infected people and animals. Medical experts recommend that an individual bitten by a rabid animal must get appropriate treatment within 12 to 48 hours from the time of a bite. The virus attaches to the nervous system then moves to the brain. If a person does not get treatment as soon as possible, the disease will result in death.

Histoplasmosis is another bat-related disease that you must be aware of; this is a lung disease that you get when you inhale spores from bat droppings. An infected individual will get sick with mild to high fever and have muscle pains and respiratory problems. The illness puts the life of infants and seniors who have a poor immune system.

The symptoms of this disease start as non-existent to severe within a few days. The signs of this illness include:

1. Flu-like symptoms
2. Chills
3. Mild fever
4. Aching joints
5. Chest pains
6. Bouts of coughing

You might get these two well-known diseases from bats if you do not remove them from your property immediately. Once you see a bat, chances are there are more of them hiding in your attic or between walls. When you see a dead or injured bat, it is best to have an expert get rid of it for you.

Proper Bat Removal

Ottawa wildlife control experts will effectively and humanely get rid of bats or other wildlife that infested your property. They have the gear and proper equipment to handle and remove injured or dead bats as well as colonies. They can prevent the spread of germs and diseases because they have the expertise and knowledge for proper removal. You can count on Ottawa wildlife control companies like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to do the job for you.

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Dangers of Bats to Pets

Are you thinking of the dangers that bats pose to your pets? These thoughts are perfectly normal because you want to make sure your dogs or cats are safe from these flying creatures. These nocturnal animals carry different types of germs, insects and diseases that it may transmit to you and your pets.

Diseases Spread by Bats

Bats may transmit deadly rabies and histoplasmosis through the inhalation of spores found in their feces. Your pet dog or cat is at risk of getting these ailments from the nocturnal creatures that infest and multiply in your property.

Bats may become aggressive and bite your pet dog when he or she catches them by surprise when they find they’re way out of the attic and fly around your house. Rabies spreads when an infected bat bites or scratches your pet. The saliva of an infected animal may also transmit the deadly disease if their saliva comes into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms of this illness include; violent movements, fever, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, confusion and loss of consciousness. Once the signs appear, it often results in the death of your pet.

Several vaccines are now available to protect pets and you from getting the disease or transmitting it to others.

Histoplasmosis is a respiratory ailment that may affect the quality of life of your pet once infected. The infection begins in the lungs as the fungi replicate, leading to respiratory problems. Several healthy pets recover from the milder effects of the infection. However, pets with a low immune system are likely to develop a severe form of the illness. The disease may spread to the lymph nodes, liver, eyes, gastrointestinal system or the spleen.

Common symptoms of infected dogs and cats include;

1. Weight loss
2. Fever
3. Loss of appetite
4. Depression
5. Laboured breathing with lung sounds
6. Coughing bouts

The gastrointestinal form of the disease has the following symptoms; diarrhoea and blood in the stool.

To keep your pets safe from these diseases caused by bats, make sure to get rid of these nocturnal creatures properly and immediately.

Remove Bats Effectively

One of the best ways to get rid of bats humanely and effectively is with the help of an Ottawa wildlife control professionals like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. These specialists know the habits of these nocturnal creatures, making them efficient and fast in their work.

Skedaddle’s Ottawa wildlife control team uses the latest and humane methods for removing wildlife they find in your property. You are sure to have a bat-free home after they are done with their removal and exclusion services.

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Top 5 Reasons Squirrels Infest a Home

Squirrels can be the cutest animal you can see in your backyard with their bushy long tails and the endless chomping on that acorn seed. These little creatures, however, can be alarming when they grow in ridiculous numbers and start treating your home as their own.
Why do these creatures relentlessly try to gain access to our homes and not just stay in the wild? We give you 5 most common reasons:

1. Food. The pet food lying around in your yard or the birdseeds you put in your feeder are perfect meals for these little critters. With urbanization, animals have lost their abundant and natural supply for food so they have to look somewhere to feed their hunger – that somewhere is called your house.
2. Water. Like their need for food, these wildlife animals need an abundant supply of water and your house is a convenient source that they can gain access to.
3. Shelter. Freezing temperatures and ravenous rains can be hard on wildlife especially if they do not have a nest that can protect them from the harsh weather. Your house is a perfect place where they can get away from these elements.
4. Nesting place for pregnant mothers. Mothers who are about to give birth to their young look for nesting places that are ideal for birthing and raising their babies. The warm and sheltered environment that your house offers is conducive for this purpose, especially since your attic or your den is away from predators that may hurt their litter.
5. Abundant supply of something to chew on. Squirrels are built to chew because of their large and strong incisors (front teeth) that they need to sharpen all the time. Your house provides a perfect sharpening tool from the structural wood to the numerous venting and electrical utilities that run through attics.

If you feel that your house is susceptible to these animals, check for any signs of infestation. This could be scurrying noises coming from your attic or your chimneys, chattering noises or signs of chewing found on the exterior.
Follow these simple prevention techniques to stop any kind of animal invasion:

• Do not leave food (especially your pet food) or garbage unsecured around the house.

• Seal all entry points. Install screens to prevent any kind of wildlife from gaining access in your home.
• Repair damaged vents and soffits immediately.
• Clean unattended areas of your house.
• Remove dried leaves, branches and other debris on your roof and gutter.
• Trim trees that can be used by squirrels to access your home

If you do not have the time and the expertise to seal off your house permanently, call Ottawa wildlife control services like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddles Ottawa wildlife control technicians are trained to remove any kind of wildlife from your home through proven effective yet humane techniques. Take charge of your home and let Skedaddle be your arm in preventing any kind of wildlife infestation! Call today!

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How do I know I have a squirrel infestation?

Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, featuring a plethora of small to medium-size rodents. One of the more distinctive characteristics of squirrels is their bushy tail, for which the name squirrel was derived. Just like the rest of the wildlife you encounter, squirrels are always on the hunt for food and a safe home to produce offspring. Because urbanization has invaded what was once their natural habitat, squirrels have adapted and found a good alternative in human houses, and this is where conflict between humans and wildlife begins.

Squirrels not only pose health risks for you and your family but also cause serious damage to your property. While they may be small in size, a bunch of squirrels inhabiting your attic can chew up wires and certain elements of your home. They may also damage your furniture and defecate and urinate all over your place. You should also remember that these wild animals carry parasites with them, and if a squirrel lives in your home, it is only a matter of time for ticks and fleas to find their way to you, your family or your pets.

Homeowners should be wary of wild animals, and this includes squirrels no matter how harmless they seem to be. You are in for some great trouble in the future if you let these little critters stay in your home.  Now how would you know if your house is indeed infested with squirrels?

1. Presence of squirrel droppings

• This is a tell-tale sign. Droppings mean that they have been in your house long enough to produce them. Somewhere between your walls, or in your attic, a squirrel and/or its family thrives. If you see cylindrical droppings that are reddish brown in color and are up to 8 millimeters in length, then you can be sure you’re infested with squirrels. These droppings are usually found near their nests and the heavily traveled areas.

2. Chattering noises in your walls or your attic

• Squirrels and their offspring will frequently vocalize to communicate with one another. If you hear chattering or barking sounds inside your attic then they have already made entry and you need to act quickly.

3. Chew or bite marks

• Squirrels sharpen their teething through chewing. If you see signs of chewing on your home, roof or vents then be sure to investigate. Also, you may find chewed-on wires and insulation sheets in your attic. These are signs that a squirrel has been around, and may still be around your property.

If you have all these signs, it is better to take action and call for professional help. DIY rodent control could end up horribly wrong and may result to unfinished removal or at worst cases, accidental rodent bites and wounds caused by improper handling.

Ottawa wildlife control services like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can offer you risk-free rodent removal that is proven to be humane and effective for more than twenty-five years. Skedaddle’s Ottawa wildlife control technicians have encountered different situations which resulted in the team learning all tricks in the squirrel book. So you can rest assured that you will free your house from any wildlife infestation in no time.

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Small but Terrible: Property Damage Inflicted by Squirrels

Squirrels are small foraging critters that wander about in daylight. One or two of them may look cute in your backyard but always be on the lookout when they start to get a little homey. Squirrels are always on the lookout for food and shelter, and while they often make use of their natural habitat to den, they may go for an easier alternative – human homes. Human houses provide a warm, cozy environment away from the harsh elements of nature and close to food sources – reasons why any wildlife would want to invade your home and cohabitate with you.

Squirrels are fast and are known for their chewing activities. They will chew up almost anything they find, edible or not, and they are good climbers, too. This makes your home, your insulation and electric wires vulnerable to damage. If you have a garden, your plants are no exception to the damage that may be caused by squirrels.

Squirrels constantly need to chew something to keep their incisors from growing too long and help sharpen them. This drives them to chew on tree bark, structural wood and wires. Imagine a whole family of squirrels living under your roof, gnawing and chomping everything and anything they can get a hold of - you will have some major property damage in no time! They will also leave a wreck in your garden, not to mention small divots around your lawn.

These problems will keep recurring if the squirrels aren't taken care of. Squirrels are naturally frightened of people, but they can get aggressive if cornered. Mother squirrels will bite if they feel their offspring are threatened, and confronting the squirrels yourself presents a risk. Not only that, there are many diseases that these furry rodents can transmit to you and your family.

These are the reasons why it is always recommended to get rid of this ‘little’ situation as quickly as possible. Driving these squirrels out from your home can prove to be tricky and it is always advised that we perform a humane removal of wildlife from our homes. To make sure that you use effective but at the same time humane methods to drive out any wildlife from your home, call Ottawa wildlife control professionals such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control services. Skedaddle offers more than twenty-six years of experience and expertise and will help you get rid of these squirrels to keep your property and family safe. Keep the wild out where they should belong and your family safe and sound inside your home by calling Skedaddle today!

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Raccoon removal mistakes most DIY-ers make and how to avoid them

The masked bandits are back in your attic and you are once again troubled by the heavy thudding at night when they roam around scavenging for food. You thought you have gotten rid of them before but they are back and they seem to have grown in number.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is possible that you have done a little DIY raccoon removal yourself. Here are some of the reasons why DIY raccoon removal can be a big mistake:

1. Raccoons carry a number of diseases that can harm humans such as rabies and Baylisascaris. If not handled properly, you can expose yourself to a number of diseases by getting in contact with raccoon feces. When you do live trapping, raccoons can attack and bite you.
2. Raccoon mothers are protective of their young and they can potentially get aggressive. Most of the time, raccoons den in your attic when they are to give birth to a litter. Your attic provides a safe haven for the young raccoons, away from the harsh elements and other predators. If you are not a trained professional, there is a high chance that you would miss the litter and just trap the raccoon mother. This could starve the babies to death and can cause future problems – imagine, bad smell and decaying bodies.
3. Raccoons are highly inquisitive and intelligent.Raccoons are inquisitive animals and it takes someone with experience to study the kind of behavior of the raccoon inhabiting your home. While trapping seems to be the easiest route, it does not solve the problem quite as fast as you would think. It takes patience to “bait” the raccoons inside the trap and you need to know the kinds of foods that will lure them in. However, the bait can also attract other animals and worse, even your pet cat.
4. It is illegal to kill raccoons or relocate them just anywhere. Most provinces have raccoons under protection as furbearers and it is illegal to exterminate them. If you are able to trap the raccoon in your attic, you should be mindful of your local law in terms of relocating these wildlife because it is also illegal to drop them beyond specific distances to prevent the spread of diseases. Ottawa wildlife control is something that you should consider before even attempting to do this yourself.
5. Trapping them does not prevent other raccoons or other wildlife from denning in your attic. Your attic will always be an attractive place for any wildlife – from mice to squirrels, to skunks and to raccoons. Its snuggly atmosphere is comfortable for these animals. Trapping the animals that you find inside your attic is a reactive measure. Treat the problem from its source and seal your attic from future intrusions.

Let the professionals remove your nuisance wildlife for you. Raccoon removal takes expertise and skill and Ottawa wildlife control services like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control are an experienced choice.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Ottawa is licensed by the government to relocate wildlife animals to a safer place in the wild where they can survive and raise their litter. Skedaddle also specializes in exclusion methods such as sealing up possible entrances in your attic so that it is safe from unwanted guests.

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