Can Squirrels Pass Diseases to Humans?

While squirrels look furry and cute, having them living inside your home is not a welcoming sight. Along with damaging your belongings, an infected squirrel can spread diseases to humans and pets through direct and indirect contact. Taking preventive steps and handling infestations right away is crucial to your well-being and safety. What Diseases Can Squirrels Transmit to Humans? Squirrels can pass several diseases to both humans and pets. They can be carriers of all kinds of parasites, like mites, fleas and ticks, that can cause issues for you and your furry friends. Here are a few of the most common: Salmonellosis: Within 12-72 hours after being exposed to salmonella bacteria in squirrel feces, individuals can start experiencing gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. When severe, a salmonella infection could lead to life-threatening complications like meningitis or sepsis. Ringworm: If you come in direct contact with a squirrel that has ringworm, you could become infected as well. This fungal infection causes a...
Read More

7 Places Rats Hide in Your Home

If you've been hearing strange scurrying sounds at night or seeing signs like gnaw marks and droppings, you may be dealing with a roof rat or Norway rat infestation. As long as they have access to shelter, food and water, these critters can take up residence in any home, destroying belongings and putting you and your family at risk for harmful diseases. Where Do Rats Hide in a House? Because rats are nocturnal, you may not actually see them even if you have an infestation. However, there are still ways you can find a rat's nest in your house. While rats can scurry inside through an open door, window or garage, they can also squeeze through small holes or cracks in your foundation or walls that you may not even be aware of. Anything from poor sanitation practices to leaving pet food out can attract these unwelcome pests into your home. Even when a homeowner has done everything right, these pests  will still infest...
Read More

4 Signs of a Raccoon Problem in Your Home

How do you know if a raccoon is in your house? These masked bandits try to be sneaky, but there tend to be a few telltale signs when they've moved in. Be on the lookout for the following clues of a raccoon home invasion. 1. Unusual Sounds Are your nights a bit noisier than they used to be? Raccoons are not quiet house guests. These talkative creatures make a wide range of unique sounds, from chattering and squeals to purrs and snarls. And because they're nocturnal, many raccoons save their conversations for when you're getting ready for bed. Listen for these unusual noises, too: Light footfalls Chewing Scratching Rustling 2. Strong Odors Are there unexplained smells filling your home? Raccoon invasions can be smelly affairs. From animal waste to rotting food, you may start to smell some strong, unexplained odors if raccoons are in your space. 3. Home Damage Raccoons can get into everything. Whether they're forcing their way into your pantry or making a cozy nest in...
Read More

What Diseases Can Raccoons Carry?

You can find raccoons in many city and suburban settings, but that doesn't mean they're safe to be around. These wild animals can pose a health risk. Even if a raccoon shows no signs of infection, many carry infectious diseases or parasites that can be transmitted to humans and animals. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about diseases known to occur in raccoons. What Viruses, Bacteria and Parasites Do Raccoons Cause? Most people are aware that raccoons can carry rabies. These wild animals also shed a host of viruses, bacteria and parasites that can result in infections or diseases in people. Here are some of the most common health hazards caused by raccoons. Rabies Raccoons are known carriers of the dangerous rabies virus, an infection that causes brain inflammation and other disturbing symptoms. Rabies is easily transmitted via bite, scratch or even contact with saliva. Baylisascaris Procyonis, or Raccoon Roundworm This parasite is found in the intestines of many raccoons. The organism sheds a...
Read More

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

With fuzzy fur, distinctive mask-like features and bushy tails, raccoons look cute from a distance. This forest creature is a common sight in many neighborhoods and suburbs, but that doesn't make it friendly or safe. Raccoons can be dangerous in certain circumstances. Here are a few of the most common questions about the risks raccoons can pose to your home and family. Do Raccoons Attack Humans? In general, raccoons do not attack people. These naturally shy creatures prefer to flee if they sense humans. However, that fear can dwindle as they adapt to cities and suburbs. Raccoons are most dangerous to humans when they feel threatened or trapped or need to protect their young. Before attacking, raccoons may bluff or try to intimidate you. They might bear their teeth and claws, vocalize aggressively or even charge at you. Displays of aggression mean an attack is likely, so give raccoons a wide berth if you encounter one. Are Raccoons Dangerous to Pets? Raccoons can pose a risk to pets, especially...
Read More

How to Tell if a Snake Is Venomous

From coast to coast, venomous snakes live in diverse habitats throughout the United States. Though these snakes are usually solitary, they can sometimes creep onto your property or into your home, posing a significant hazard to you and your family. Learning how to identify venomous snakes can help you keep your household safe. If you spot one of these dangerous animals, you can take the necessary steps to remove it from your property and implement snake control to prevent them from returning. What Does Venomous Mean? Many animals produce venom, which they pass on to other living beings by biting or stinging. You might picture a snake when you think of venomous creatures, since some of these animals release a toxin when they bite. However, most snakes are not toxic, so understanding the difference is critical if you ever encounter one in the wild. Venomous vs. Poisonous You may have heard people use the words “poisonous” and “venomous” interchangeably. However, they are not synonymous. Poison...
Read More

What to Do if You Have a Rat Infestation

When dealing with a rat infestation the most likely culprits are non-native roof rats or Norway Rats(sewer rats); these small rodents often wreak havoc on your home, business and even vehicles. It's important to take action to prevent further damage to your property — and minimize the risk of disease transmission. At Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal LLC, we can help rid your property of these unwelcome guests. Check out these do's and don'ts for effectively dealing with a rodent infestation. Do's To prevent rats from taking up residence in your home or business, you can: Regularly inspect your property: Rats can get inside through the smallest openings. A good rule of thumb is: if your thumb fits, so will a rat. Check your property for potential holes and entry points. Seal entry points: If you find entry points, promptly seal them up using heavy and rodent resistant material (foam and plastic is not adequate). Keep food and water sources sealed: Rodents are attracted to water and...
Read More

What Animal is Digging Holes in Your Yard?

As a homeowner, the last thing you want is to wake up to mounds of sand and dirt plotted all over your yard. Small animals burrow in the ground, scurrying in tunnels and often ending up in your back or front yard. These pests can be hard to get rid of and may cause damage to your property and plants if you don't do something. We will explore a few animals known for being offenders in Texas, their physical characteristics, diet, activity and how to stop them. 1. Armadillos Although 21 different species of Armadillo have been identified, only one is found in the United States. The nine-banded armadillo calls Texas home and is at the top of our list of possible culprits who could be digging holes in your yard at night. Their characteristics include: Physical attributes: These pre-historic, strange-looking critters are identified by their elongated armored bodies and diamond-shaped heads. They are quite fast for small mammals with seemingly heavy bodies and short, stubby...
Read More

What to Do if You Hear Scratching Noises in Your Home at Night

Your home is your sanctuary — a retreat from the world where you should feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, many other animals may feel the same way. It can be scary to hear scratching noises in your walls, ceiling, garage or attic at night. In these situations, your imagination can be your worst enemy, as you picture every possible intruder and wonder how much damage they might do. In many instances, animals will invade in search of warmth, shelter, nourishment and a place to raise their babies. This guide will teach you to identify which pests you hear at night and what actions you should take. Why My Home? Before we dive into this guide, we want to answer a frequently asked question — why are wild animals in my home? They are looking for food and shelter. In addition to be a safe dry place, many things about humans' houses attract pests, including garbage cans, compost, pet food, food scraps, gutters, overgrown...
Read More

What to Do if You Hear Scratching Noises in Your Home During the Day

While many common pests that make noise in your ceiling, attic and walls are nocturnal, some are diurnal, meaning they're active during the day. When diurnal pests are active in your home, you might hear scratching in walls during the day or at dusk or dawn. It's important to know what to do if you hear scratching noises in your home during the day, and we've created this guide to help. Why Do I Have Pests? You may be wondering why your house has pests. Why did they target your home in particular and not your neighbors? There are several things that can attract pests to your home, such as: Bird Seed and Other Feeders: Food left out in the open attract unintended pests that can smell the food around your home. Garbage: Unsecured filled-up trash bags are a magnet for some pests. Overgrown garden: An overgrown lawn is an open invitation to pests that might then move from your garden into your...
Read More