What kind of rodent poop is littering your attic? It pays to know for effective pest eradication – and for preventing the transmission of diseases via that funky feces.
Differentiate the dung
The most common attic offenders are the red and gray squirrel.
- Appearance
Squirrel dung typically looks like a smattering of wild rice, as they begin dark brown and pale over time, producing a variety of shades.
- Size
About 3/8 inch long and 1/8 inch in diameter, gray squirrel stools are a bit larger and longer than red squirrel stools. Flying squirrel droppings are also similar in size.
- Edges
Squirrel droppings have soft, circular sides, while rat droppings are pointy on sides and thicker in the middle.
- Distribution
Squirrels typically deposit waste clusters in certain spots, while rat and mouse droppings will be strewn everywhere.
Risks to you and your family from the terrifying turds
Some of the worst issues you can have with squirrels involve their feces.
- Salmonella
Like food poisoning, presents as sickness and diarrhea in mild cases, but can result in life-threatening conditions in children and elderly. Typically treated with oral or IV hydration, hand washing for prevention is key.
- Leptospirosis
In most cases, mild flu-like symptoms with headache, body aches, and chills, though it can progress to organ failure and internal bleeding in serious cases. Can be treated with antibiotics.
Tired of manhandling manure in your home? Call Allison Pest Control today.