Squirrels may look harmless while climbing trees and running through the park. But squirrels can actually carry a range of dangerous diseases, some of which can be transferred to humans and pets.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to know the early warning signs of the presence of squirrels in your home so that you can reduce your exposure to squirrel poop and prevent sickness in your family.
This article will describe various squirrel diseases, squirrel disease symptoms, and what you can do to prevent and rid your home of squirrels.
Squirrel Diseases to Humans
One question that many people have is, “Can squirrels carry rabies?” Yes, in fact, squirrels can carry rabies and pass it onto humans by scratching or biting.
Leptospirosis is another disease that is carried by squirrels and other forms of wildlife. Ticks often use squirrels as hosts, which means that squirrels can carry Lyme disease and spread it to humans. Salmonellosis and tularemia are also transferrable squirrel diseases to humans that can cause serious health problems and even be deadly if left untreated.
Squirrel Diseases Symptoms
If a squirrel is infected with rabies, one of the most common squirrel diseases symptoms is aggressive, lethargic, or hyper behavior that is not common among healthy squirrels. These symptoms typically occur in the late state of the disease because the central nervous system is attacked.
Meanwhile, humans who catch leptospirosis from squirrels exhibit symptoms of weakness, headaches, liver failure, and kidney damage. The symptoms of Lyme disease in humans after coming in contact with an infected squirrel include issues with the joints and nervous system. Salmonellosis symptoms often mirror those associated with mirror food poisoning, and tularemia can result in high fevers and even death.
The Dangers of Squirrel Poop
While some squirrel diseases are most commonly associated with squirrel bites and scratches, other diseases are caused by human contact with squirrel poop. For example, both salmonellosis and tularemia can be spread through squirrel droppings that find their way into human food or water.
Signs of Squirrels in the House
Squirrels are fairly large pests and definitely leave their mark in a home. You may hear sounds of thumping coming from the walls or attic, for example. You may also hear scurrying or scratching noises in the house or notice chewed holes in your furniture. As a preventative measure, it’s a smart idea to keep your yard free of nuts, seeds, and acorns so that squirrels aren’t tempted to take up residence in your yard or house. It’s also important to note that unlike other animals, squirrels do not hibernate in the winter.
Preventing and Getting Rid of Squirrels
Since squirrels can cause so many dangerous diseases in humans, it is best to leave squirrel control and removal up to the professionals. Precise Pest Control specializes in removing and preventing squirrels in New Jersey, especially the Gray Squirrel that is most common here. If squirrels in your home aren’t removed promptly, they will multiply, create more droppings, and put your family at a serious risk of illnesses. At the very moment that you suspect squirrels in your home, call us at 866-971-2847 or contact us online for a free inspection.