pest control and your health

Rodent droppings under kitchen sink.

Human being can become very sick from contact with sick animals. Animals can carry many germs or illnesses that can cause many different types of illnesses in people and animals, ranging from mild to serious illness and even death. These illnesses are known as Zoonotic Diseases or zoonoses and can include harmful germs like viruses, bacterial, parasites, and fungi. The CDC, or Center for Disease Control, states that Zoonotic diseases are very common, both in the United States and around the world. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and 3 out of every 4 new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals.
Because of the close connection between people and animals, it’s important to be aware of the common ways people can get infected with germs that can cause zoonotic diseases. These can include:

• Direct contact: Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids of an infected animal. Examples include petting or touching animals, and bites or scratches.
• Indirect contact: Coming into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with germs. Examples include aquarium tank water, pet habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants, and soil, as well as pet food and water dishes.
• Vector-borne: Being bitten by a tick, or an insect like a mosquito or a flea.
• Foodborne: Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. Eating or drinking something unsafe, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, undercooked meat or eggs, or raw fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal. Contaminated food can cause illness in people and animals, including pets.
• Waterborne: Drinking or coming in contact with water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

Throughout history many of these Zoonotic diseases have caused worldwide pandemics, including Bubonic Plague, West Nile virus and, more recently, emerging coronaviruses (e.g. severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome). Less common diseases include Rabies, Brucellosis, Lyme Disease and Salmonellosis.
 
The best defense against these diseases is avoidance and cleanliness. The CDC recommends these guidelines:

• Keep hands clean. Washing your hands right after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch any animals, is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
  • Always wash your hands after being around animals, even if you didn’t touch the animals.
  • Many germs are spread by not washing hands properly with soap and clean, running water.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Because hand sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water if they are available.
• Know the simple things you can do to stay safe around your pets.
• Prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
• Learn more about ways to handle food safely—whether it’s for yourself or your family, your pet, or other animals.
• Be aware of zoonotic diseases both at home, away from home (such as at petting zoos or other animal exhibits), in childcare settings or schools and when you travel.
• Avoid bites and scratches from animals.

Our licensed inspectors know the importance of making sure your home or building is free of pests, and we will report any obvious signs of infestation. It is important to clean any droppings from pests and ensure that any pathways into the structure are sealed to ensure that animals or insects can’t easily gain access to your home.

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