Health Risks of Wildlife in Homes

What does wildlife in homes mean?

When we say “wildlife in homes,” we’re talking about critters like mice, rats, bats, raccoons, squirrels, and sometimes even skunks or birds that sneak inside. At first, it might just seem like an inconvenience. A little scratching in the attic, some droppings in the garage. But here’s the thing: these animals don’t just bring noise, they can carry serious health risks.

And once they’ve settled in, they don’t leave quietly.

How does wildlife transmit disease?

Wild animals can spread illness in a few different ways:

• Droppings and urine left in attics, crawlspaces, or basements

• Direct bites or scratches if a critter feels cornered

• Parasites like ticks, fleas, or mites hitching a ride indoors

• Airborne spores from dried droppings, which can affect your lungs

At Critter Hero, we often explain it this way: “If an animal wouldn’t be safe in your kitchen, you don’t want it in your attic either.”

Rodents in the home: Hantavirus, leptospirosis and more

Rats and mice are probably the most common invaders. They seem small and harmless, but the diseases they carry are anything but.

• Hantavirus: Found in rodent droppings and urine. Breathing it in can cause severe lung issues.

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through urine that can lead to liver or kidney problems.

• Salmonella: They contaminate food surfaces just by scurrying across them.

If you’ve spotted droppings or chew marks on wires, it’s not just a nuisance. It’s a health risk waiting to happen.

Bats, guano and rabies

Bats might seem fascinating, but when they roost inside homes, they leave piles of guano (droppings) that can harbor histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory infection. And while rare, bats are one of the leading carriers of rabies in North America.

A single bat in your living space should always be treated as an exposure risk. At Critter Hero, we recommend you never try to catch one on your own.

Birds and pigeon droppings

Pigeon and starling droppings might dry out and look harmless, but they can release spores linked to histoplasmosis and other respiratory problems. This is why we never suggest sweeping or vacuuming them up dry.

Quick tip: Always dampen droppings before cleanup (better yet, let professionals handle it).

Raccoons and roundworm

Here’s a scary one a lot of folks don’t know: raccoon droppings often contain Baylisascaris roundworm. If ingested accidentally (say, a child playing near a raccoon latrine), it can cause severe neurological damage.

That’s why we take raccoon cleanup very seriously. We wear protective gear, disinfect the area, and in some cases, even remove and replace contaminated insulation.

Skunks, foxes and other mammals

Most people think of skunks as just smelly. The truth is, skunks, foxes, and other small mammals can carry rabies, not to mention fleas and ticks. If bitten, scratched, or even if you suspect contact, treat it like an emergency.

Fleas, ticks and mites indoors

Wildlife doesn’t come alone. Rodents, raccoons, and opossums can bring fleas or ticks inside, which means you’re suddenly at risk for Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.

Signs and symptoms to watch for

If you’ve had wildlife in your home recently, be on the lookout for:

• Unexplained fevers or flu-like symptoms

• Coughing or shortness of breath

• Stomach upset or diarrhea

• Strange rashes or bite marks

Of course, these can be caused by lots of things, but if they pop up after wildlife exposure, it’s worth telling your doctor.

What do you do after exposure?

Found a nest in your attic? Or worse, been bitten? Here’s what to do:

1. Don’t touch droppings or nests with bare hands.

2. Ventilate the area carefully if droppings are present, but don’t sweep them.

3. Wash bites or scratches right away with soap and water.

4. Call a doctor immediately if bitten, especially by bats, raccoons, or skunks.

Safe cleanup and disinfection

Cleaning up after wildlife is not the same as wiping down the kitchen counter. Here’s a simple comparison:

Critter Hero Tip: Even after animals are removed, droppings and nesting material can stay infectious for months. Always get a space properly sanitized.

When do you seek medical attention?

If you’ve been bitten, scratched, or exposed to bat droppings, don’t wait it out. Rabies treatment only works if it’s given quickly. Same goes for strange respiratory symptoms after cleaning droppings.

Prevention tips

The best way to avoid health risks is to stop wildlife from moving in at all. A few simple steps:

• Seal entry points like gaps around vents and chimneys

• Keep pet food stored in sealed containers

• Trim back tree branches touching your roof

• Clean up fallen fruit or bird seed from your yard

When do you call a professional wildlife removal company?

Sometimes, DIY just isn’t safe. If you’re dealing with bats, raccoons, or a large rodent infestation, it’s time to call in pros like Critter Hero. We don’t just remove animals, we find out how they got in, seal up your home, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

As we like to say, “removal without prevention is just an invitation for them to come back.”

Give us a call at +1 [289] 855-4376 today so we can help you with your critter problems.