Toronto Squirrel Removal: Do these Rodents Carry Diseases?

Squirrels hold the honorary title of entertainment stars in the natural world. They also have a solid reputation for being nut fanatics and for their hoarder-like tendencies. Despite their pleasant nature though, squirrels are associated with some health risks that make it necessary to keep them away from settled spaces. It is these risks that make squirrel removal a necessary part of life in Toronto.

Squirrels and Dangerous Diseases… Is there a Link?

You’re probably thinking squirrels are too cute and timid to transmit diseases to you and your domesticated animals. But squirrels are just like other wildlife in this regard. The diseases that they carry include Salmonellosis, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Tularemia and Lyme Disease. Salmonellosis is transmitted when the salmonella bacteria housed in squirrel droppings are passed on to an uninfected victim. Symptoms of salmonellosis include; fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Leptospirosis is also passed on by contact with contaminated squirrel waste. Squirrel transmitted rabies is rare but still possible and occurs when an infected squirrel scratches or bites an uninfected animal or person. The ticks that live in the fur of squirrels can also make others ill. The ticks move from squirrels to pets or people and when they do they carry their diseases with them. One such illness is Lyme disease, which comes with symptoms such as stiffness, nerve pain and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Clearly, squirrels cannot be allowed to roam free in the domestic or professional setting as the health risks are simply too many. The health issues associated with squirrels also means that people should take extra care when interacting with them. To keep squirrel related diseases at bay you should avoid direct physical contact with the furry foragers and their waste by first avoiding any handling at all and using gloves if handling becomes unavoidable. You should also wear masks to avoid inhaling microscopic particles carrying germs and bacteria.

The Importance of the Humane Approach to Squirrel Issues

Despite the health risks they present, squirrels are still important members of the wildlife community.  They help to refresh and maintain green spaces by inadvertently dropping seeds or burying and forgetting them. These seeds later germinate the aesthetically pleasing and life-sustaining lush green vegetation. They are also darned cute to observe as they scurry around. In fact, they entertain many people who visit parks and natural areas just to see them in action. These are just a few of the reasons squirrels should be treated humanely when they are found intruding on human-occupied spaces.

Turning to the Experts

Squirrel removal is best handled by trained and experienced professionals. DIY removals are not recommended as they can cause harm to the animals as well as unnecessary exposure to diseases for people and pets. This is why we encourage you to seek the help of our expert wildlife technicians in Toronto if you have a squirrel situation. Our professionals are trained and experienced in squirrel habits and biology. They also come equipped with the right tools to coax squirrels out of your building without causing you or anyone else in the home to come in contact with infectious material. After removing squirrels from your home, our wildlife technicians will proceed to offer you Skedaddle’s cleaning and clearing service which includes the removal of all biological debris left behind by the squirrels. We will then treat the space to neutralize any remaining infectious material or surface area. This is extremely important in preventing the transmission of squirrel related illnesses. Expert squirrel removal services such as those provided by Skedaddle’s expert wildlife technicians will help Toronto residents to solve their squirrel problems effectively and safely.