Here in Southern California the sun is always shining. We are known for our great weather, awesome beaches, and chill atmosphere. This is one of the greatest places to live! People come from all around the world to get a small slice of the heaven we live in! However, not everything can be picture perfect all of the time. We have our fair share of rodents and pests that we must deal with. Fortunately, Animal Pest Management loves to save the day for people who would rather leave the dirty work to the professionals. Rodents carry an array of diseases that they spread around our homes by making it their own. They cause damage to the structure of our homes and build their nests in our walls and attics. Did you know, mice must eat 15-25 times a day to consume 10-15% of their body weight? They chew through and gnaw on electrical wiring causing damage and elevating fire risks in your home. The scariest part of this scenario is the mere though of catching a disease called Hantavirus from one of the most common rodent species we see here in Southern California; the Deer Mouse!
How Long Does Hantavirus Live in Deer Mice Droppings?
While not every deer mouse, white-footed mouse, rice rat, or cotton rat carries hantavirus, there is no way for the average homeowner to tell. They must therefore assume the worst so as not to risk their loved ones catching this deadly disease. Hantavirus causes a lung infection called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) which is caused by viruses found in the droppings, urine and saliva of an infected rodent. This is a severe and sometimes fatal disease that holds a mortality rate of 38%. We can contract this disease when we inhale air that has been infected with the Hantavirus by kicking up dust that contains the urine and droppings of an infected deer mouse, come in contact with their bedding, or even being bitten by one. Hantavirus can live in droppings outside for about a week which doesn’t sound long but is a major concern, especially with kids playing outside on summer break.
Symptoms of Hantavirus
Symptoms of this horrible infection are fever, fatigue, severe muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms that arise later in this infection are shortness of breath, coughing, elevated heart rate and fast breathing. These are signs of pulmonary edema, or when the lungs begin to fill with fluid. If left untreated, this is when we see the highest mortality rate for this severe infection occur.
Hantavirus Prevention Tips
There are a few ways you can protect yourself and your family from this scary illness. Animal Pest Management would like to share a few tips with you today. Firstly, keep all food in airtight containers. Keeping dishes washed right after they are used and cleaning up spills immediately after they happen will help tremendously. Keep pet food put away in an airtight container, and do not leave food bowls down all day. Keep your floors swept and vacuumed daily. Keep a lid on your indoor trash can during the day and empty it into an outside receptacle every night. Keep your yard clean and free of overgrown shrubs and garbage and keep trash receptacles about 100 feet from your home. Check your home for any holes or gaps and seal them immediately to avoid giving them a route into your home.
Rodent Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Cleaning up after a deer mice infestation is dangerous due to the virus’ that are released into the air during the clean up process. An air purifying respirator, and other safety equipment is highly recommended to safely remove the droppings, nesting and dead rodents safely from your home. Leaving this process to a professional is the best way to keep your family safe. If you believe you may have a rodent problem, call Animal Pest Management right away!
