Your homes and businesses harbor many fugitive pests. From insect life, to snakes and vermin, to wildlife critters and even the pests of the sky, or bats and birds, can come and fester into the safe haven and warmth of your home or office. These pests can cause structural damage to property or carry harmful diseases. A-Tex Pest Management would like to specifically clue you in on the potential health risks related to birds and bats.
Why are Bat & Bird Droppings a Health Hazard?
-Histoplasmosis. Histoplasma Capsulatum is a fungus that causes Histoplasmosis. Both humans and animals are susceptible and can be infected. This disease is transmitted by airborne fungus spores from soil contamination as well as bird and bat droppings. The contaminated soil is usually found under the roost, that have been enriched for 2 years or more for the disease organism to reach significant levels. Usually found in the soil, the fungus has been found in bat droppings discovered in attic space. Infection generally occurs when the spores have been carried into the air, usually after it has been stirred up. Most infection are mild producing to minor symptoms that are influenza – like. Rare cases can produce high fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia, or even death.
– Cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis is derived from the fungus, Cryptococcus Neoformans found mostly in pigeon waste. This fungus is usually found in pigeon roosts, or nesting sites like attics, cupolas, roof tops, ledges or water towers. Old and dry dropping are still a high risk for infection and has been found in approximately 84% of testing areas. Infections are usually found to be mild with little or no symptoms. People with weak immune systems, elderly, and small children are more prone to infection. Infection is caused by in hailing yeast-like cells of the organism. There are 2 forms of cryptococcosis that occur in people. The lung form and skin form. The lung form produces a lung infection and spreads throughout the rest of the body, especially infecting the central nervous system and eventually causes death. The skin form attains acne-like eruptions or ulcers with nodules just under the skin.
– Additional diseases. There are other minor diseases that derive from birds that infect people in a lesser level. Bats can carry and are known for passing along rabies and histoplasmosis. Rabies is a very dangerous disease and can lead to fatalities. However, only about 5% of the bats detained for testing carry the virus. Concern for bats transmitting the disease are on the rise in recent years. If you should come across a sickly bat, it is best to call a professional, as bats generally bite. Bats have been identified as the animal mostly infected with rabies.
– Ticks, mites and parasites. Bird and bat roosts house parasites, mites and ticks. If you should discover a roost with wild birds or bats, it’s best to contact a professional for removal.
Nuisance Birds, Wildlife & Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
A-Tex Pest Management has the experienced pros that can remove bats and birds from your home or offices before diseases are born, and property damage ensues.
