Squirrels are everywhere in Atlanta. Maybe you’ve spotted them scampering through your yard, climbing trees, or even sneaking into your attic. They might look cute and harmless, but squirrels can bring serious problems to your home. These animals can carry illnesses that affect both humans and pets, making it important to stay aware of the risks they pose.

Some of the most common health threats linked to squirrels include rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella. These diseases can spread in different ways, like bites, scratches, or even contact with squirrel droppings. Pets face many of these risks too, which makes squirrel disease transmission to pets a big concern for families. The good news is, preventing squirrel-related health risks is possible by keeping your home and yard squirrel-free. 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in North Atlanta, we’re here to help with wildlife removal in Atlanta, offering safe, humane solutions to protect your family and home. Keep reading to learn more about how these animals can affect your health and what you can do to stay safe.

Rabies

Rabies is a scary word that most people know—but thankfully, it’s rare in squirrels. Still, it’s not impossible. Rabies is a dangerous virus that attacks the nervous system, and it can be fatal if left untreated. It spreads through bites or scratches when infected saliva enters an open wound.

Even though the risk of rabies from squirrels is low, it’s still something to take seriously. If a family member or pet is scratched or bitten, it’s better to be safe and seek medical attention right away. This is one scenario that highlights the importance of wildlife removal in Atlanta. Keeping squirrels out of your home and away from your family is the best way to stay protected.

The good news is that rabies is preventable with prompt care, which is why acting fast is so important.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that squirrels can spread through their urine. When urine contaminates water or soil, it opens up the possibility for humans and pets to come into contact with this harmful bacteria. Even walking barefoot in damp areas where squirrels have been can be enough to spread the infection.

Humans with leptospirosis might experience fever, muscle pain, or even vomiting. If untreated, it could lead to severe damage to the kidneys or liver. Pets are also vulnerable and could face serious complications.

The key to preventing this problem is to avoid exposure. If squirrels have been in your nearby water sources, it’s wise to take precautions. Keeping living spaces free of contamination through regular clean-up and monitoring for squirrel activity is an absolute must.

Salmonella

You may have heard of salmonella being linked to food poisoning, but did you know squirrels can carry this bacteria in their droppings? When squirrels enter your home and set up shop in your attic or crawl space, they leave waste behind. If their droppings contaminate food or water, humans and pets can easily get sick.

Salmonella infections come with unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Pets may show similar signs, making this an issue that can affect the entire family. Unfortunately, when squirrels nest indoors, the risk goes up because they’re closer to your living spaces.

Keeping food areas clean and sealed is one way to reduce this risk, but the best course of action is keeping squirrels out altogether. Professional wildlife removal can help ensure these animals don’t take over your space.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease isn’t caused by squirrels directly, but these animals may carry ticks that spread the disease to humans and pets. Ticks tend to hang out in the same spaces squirrels do, like yards, bushes, or wooded areas. If you or your pets spend time outside, there’s a chance you could come into contact with an infected tick.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, and joint pain. If it’s not caught and treated early, the illness can lead to long-term health problems. Pets, especially dogs, are prone to picking up ticks when playing outdoors.

The best way to limit exposure is to maintain your outdoor spaces. Check for signs of squirrel infestations that might increase the number of ticks around your home and watch for ticks on your pets after they play in your yard.

Tularemia

Tularemia might not be as common as some other infections, but it’s still worth mentioning. This is a bacterial illness that can spread to humans and pets if they have direct contact with a squirrel or its waste. A simple scratch, bite, or handling an infected carcass can put you at risk.

The symptoms of tularemia include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, skin ulcers. Pets who are exposed can also experience serious health issues, leading to costly visits to the vet.

To limit contact and reduce the chances of exposure, it’s a smart idea to call for professional help if you discover squirrels in or around your home.

Parasites and Fleas

If squirrels have made their way into your home, they might bring tiny pests along with them. Fleas, mites, and ticks often hitch a ride on squirrels and can quickly take over living spaces or pets.

Flea bites can lead to severe itchiness and allergic reactions. Worse yet, fleas can spread tapeworms if they come into contact with pets and humans. Mites and ticks carry their own sets of risks, like skin irritation and, as mentioned earlier, potentially spreading Lyme disease.

The problem can spiral out of control if squirrels are nesting. Making sure your home is sealed and protected from entry points is one of the most critical prevention measures.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Family Safe

It’s one thing to know about the risks squirrels pose—it’s another to make sure your home is protected. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to keep your family and pets safe. Here are some practical tips for preventing squirrel-related health risks in and around your home.

• Seal Entry Points: Squirrels often find their way into attics, roofs, or walls through small gaps. Seal these entry points with sturdy materials to stop them from getting in. Pay close attention to attic vents, chimneys, and gaps around doors or windows.
• Secure Food Sources: Squirrels are resourceful when it comes to finding food. Pet food, birdseed, and even garbage are all appealing to them. Keep food stored in sealed containers and consider placing bird feeders away from your home to limit squirrel traffic.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Don’t handle squirrels, their droppings, or nests. These can expose you to bacteria and other harmful materials. If you spot a squirrel or signs of its presence, consider calling for professional help rather than handling it yourself.
• Clean Your Yard: Fallen fruits, nuts, and other debris can attract squirrels to your yard. By keeping your outdoor area tidy, you can reduce the chances of encouraging squirrels to come closer to your home.
• Listen for Activity: Scratching noises in the attic or droppings around your home are clear signs of a potential infestation. If you suspect squirrels are making themselves at home, act quickly to deal with the issue.
• Call for Professional Help: If the problem persists, contact our professional wildlife removal services to ensure the squirrels move out safely and stay out. Companies like us, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, use effective and humane strategies to remove animals while keeping your home secure.

Using these steps, you can take control of your home and create a safer environment for your entire family.

Keep Squirrel Health Risks Out of Your Home

Squirrels may seem like cute, harmless animals, but the risks they pose to humans and pets are very real. They can spread illnesses like rabies, leptospirosis, salmonella, and more. On top of that, they bring with them fleas, ticks, and mites, which create additional problems. Taking steps toward preventing squirrel-related health risks protects your loved ones and keeps your home safe.

If you’re facing a squirrel problem, we can help. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in professional and humane wildlife removal in Atlanta. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse—contact us today to request a quote or learn more about how we can help keep your home safe and healthy!