Facts about animal droppings and why they are considered a biohazard.

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Raccoon droppings and debris in an exterior loft.

Do you have some uninvited guests living in your crawlspace, attic, or exterior loft? Even after they are removed, they can leave behind quite the mess! We all know that rodents have the ability to play host to a number of bothersome parasites and unfortunately, they can stick around long after the animal has moved on. SERVPRO of Blackwood has the training and expertise to remove these unwanted pests!

Raccoons, rats/mice and squirrels are just a few animals that can leave behind these unwanted and potentially dangerous parasites.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you suspect or find animal waste/debris in or around your home:

A significant number of raccoons carry a roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, and shed it in their feces. This parasite may cause serious illness in humans.
Baylisascaris infection may cause nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination and muscle control, inability to focus attention, enlargement of the liver, blindness and even coma.

Mouse droppings may pose a potential health hazard as well. They are mostly concentrated near breeding and nesting grounds, although they may also be seen in other areas of the house from time to time. Mice feces can contain a variety of different diseases that may spread to humans, including Salmonella, Hantavirus, and Listeria. More than some of the other diseases that mouse droppings can spread, a particularly dangerous one is the hantavirus. Hantavirus is a deadly virus that can be contracted through contact with mouse feces, saliva, or urine. The virus may cause pulmonary syndrome, which is fatal in nearly 40% of cases.

It is dangerous to touch or breathe in the feces of squirrels as it has the potential to cause diseases that may bring complications and damaging effects to the body. One of which is Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that may affect humans if the cuts and breaks in your skin and mucous membranes are exposed to contaminated feces and urine. If no timely intervention is made, it may lead to liver failure, respiratory distress, kidney damage, meningitis, and potentially death.

These are just some of the many reasons to leave the clean up to the Pros! Call us today if you find evidence of an animal visitor in your home - (856) 227-7800. SERVPRO of Blackwood/Gloucester Twp will make it “Like it never even happened”!