Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by various rodents, specifically, rats and mice. Unfortunately contacting a Hantavirus is quite easy for humans and should be avoided.
Hantaviruses can be found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of rodents. Humans become exposed to these dangerous viruses by accidentally inhaling the contaminated dust that is created when rodent droppings or nests are being removed, cleaned, or accidentally disturbed. Often times, people become infected with a virus when they are working or living in a rodent infested setting without realizing that the area has a rodent infestation problem.
There is no sure way to tell how long Hantaviruses are infectious within a particular environment as there are many different variables to take into consideration when dealing with rodent droppings. Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, sun exposure, as well as whether the droppings are found indoors or are outdoors all affects the length of time that the virus is active and dangerous. Even the rodent’s diet affects the chemistry of the urine, so all rodent droppings should always be considered unsafe to handle. Pest control specialists are trained to deal with risky ongoing rodent infestations, rodent urine, and droppings to eliminate a person’s risk to dangerous Hantaviruses.
The best way to avoid becoming ill is to keep rodents out of your home or workplace. Windows, doors, gaps in foundations, attic vents, and unsealed pipes are all easy places for unwanted rodents to gain access indoors.
Exclusion of rodents should include sealing any cracks or crevices that are larger than ¼ of an inch. The basic rule of thumb to follow is that if a rodent can fit its head into a space, it will be able to squeeze its body into the space as well.
In New Jersey, Allison Pest Control offers expert rodent monitoring, exclusion and trapping services to Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean Counties. Give us a call today so we can help keep your unwanted rodents away!