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...
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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...
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How to Tell if You Have Squirrels or Rats in Your Attic

When you suspect you have uninvited wildlife living in your attic, two potential culprits are squirrels and rats. Homeowners may often mistake one for the other, so understanding the similarities and differences between rats and squirrels can help you identify the infestation you have. Squirrels and rats are both members of the rodent family and share similar mannerisms, like chewing on various items, being clever and leaving messes if they get into your home. While they have similarities, there are ways you can distinguish them from each other. Learn the differences between squirrels and rats, so you can determine which rodent infestation you have in your attic. Call Now for Wildlife Removal Service ➔   Signs That Rats or Squirrels Are in Your Walls Rodents are allusive and often challenging to spot, especially if they’re traveling through your walls. One of the most obvious signs of rodents in your home is scratching noises. Here are some other signs to look out for: Droppings: You may notice small...
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How to Get Squirrels Out of the Attic

Dealing with squirrels in your attic? Whether you've been hearing them scurrying and scratching around or have seen some teeth marks and droppings, you want to take action as soon as possible. Call Now for Professional Squirrel Removal ➔ Potential Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic If you are dealing with squirrels in your attic, you can try several methods to try and get them out. Here are a few of the best ways: Make your home and yard unwelcoming: Many things can attract squirrels to your yard. Everything from overgrown brush to bird feeders can make your yard habitable to squirrels. Trim up hedges, remove branches and debris, and minimize food sources so that squirrels will be less likely to find your home attractive. Use an unappealing scent: Squirrels find several scents repulsive. If you use an unappealing scent like apple cider vinegar or peppermint in your attic, you can potentially deter them from taking up residence. Seal entry points: If there...
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How Does an Animal Get Into My House?

An animal may get into your house through the openings in your roof, attic, chimney, crawlspace or basement. If you suspect an animal has gotten in, inspect your interior and exterior property for signs of wildlife activity, such as chew marks, grease stains, droppings, or damage. A professional wildlife removal company can help you deal with the animals in your home through exclusion techniques. Explore the animals that can get into your house to determine how to deal with any potential intruders. Request Wildlife Removal Services ➔ Main Entry Points Depending on the animal's size, their entry points into your home don't need to be large. Check the following places for signs of wildlife in your home: Crawlspace or Basement: Animals enjoy hiding in dry, dark basements. You can determine if wildlife is in this part of your home by checking the foundation from the outside. Pay attention to gaps, such as places where different types of building material meet or where cables, pipes...
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