In 2013, a squirrel was reportedly found and said to carry the bubonic plague antibodies. This is the same disease that wiped out most of the population centuries ago. This of course caused mass hysteria among Americans as they bit their nails concerned that the Black Death was descending. Of course, this also prompted call for squirrel removal in Westerville OH, as well. The plague did not occur and the disease did not spread, but that doesn’t mean that squirrels should be left to roam your home freely.
Are Humans at Great Risk?
Contrary to popular belief, humans are actually not apt to catch anything from a squirrel. The belief that humans can catch rabies from squirrels has not been proven. However, the droppings a squirrel leaves behind can pose some health issues. This is why reputable squirrel removal in Westerville OH is recommended if you find the creatures in your home or attic. As with many other rodents, squirrels spray their feces and urine. This puts humans at risk of contracting a salmonella infection if they touch or come in contact with the spray.
Ticks and Fleas
The biggest thing that humans need to worry about with squirrels is the fact that they are infested with ticks and fleas. Ticks carry tick fever and once inside your home can quickly latch on to your pets. The same is possible with fleas. Once the squirrel gets inside the house, the fleas will infect your inside pets. Anyone who has ever battled fleas and ticks can tell you they are almost impossible to get rid of.
What Is the Pox Virus?
The pox virus is carried by grey squirrels and is deadly to the red squirrel population. The only cure that has been found for this is to trap the grey squirrel and remove it from the area that the red squirrels live in. This disease is said not to be a threat to humans, so you have nothing to worry about. If however, you have a squirrel feeder, make sure to clean it regularly to protect the red squirrel population.
These are just a few of the threats that squirrels can pose to humans. However, none of them is very severe. You do need to contact a reputable squirrel removal company like The Wildlife Control Company, Inc, if you see or hear one of them in your home.