Cleaning Up After Wildlife: Essential Precautions
Cleaning up after wildlife in Northwest Michigan requires careful handling to prevent potential health risks. Here's what you need to know to ensure your safety and the well-being of your family and pets:
1. Wear Protective Gear:
Gloves: Always wear thick gloves to avoid direct contact with waste, fur, or droppings.
Mask: Use a mask to prevent inhaling airborne particles that could carry diseases.
Respirator: Use approved filters in a respirator when cleaning up Bat Guano.
2. Avoid Direct Contact:
No Touch Policy: Refrain from touching any waste, fur, or nesting materials with your bare hands.
3. Disinfect Thoroughly:
Cleaning Solution: Use a mixture of bleach and water to clean affected areas.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation while cleaning to avoid inhaling fumes.
4. Dispose of Waste Safely:
Seal Waste: Double-bag waste materials and securely seal them before disposing of them in a covered trash bin.
5. Wash Thoroughly:
Hands and Clothing: After cleaning, wash your hands and any clothing worn during the process.
Interesting Fact: Certain animals' waste can carry parasites or pathogens that pose health risks to humans and pets.
Seasonal Considerations: Different animals can be active at various times of the year, leading to potential encounters:
1. Spring and Summer:
Baby Wildlife: Spring and summer often bring baby animals seeking shelter.
Nesting Materials: Nests can accumulate in attics, sheds, and other spaces.
2. Fall and Winter:
Hibernation Sites: Animals seeking warmth may take refuge in your property during colder months.
Understanding Risks: Certain wildlife can carry diseases or parasites that can be harmful to humans and pets:
1. Raccoons and Skunks:
Roundworm Eggs: Raccoon and skunk waste can contain roundworm eggs, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.
2. Bats:
Histoplasmosis: Bat droppings can carry a fungus that causes a respiratory disease known as histoplasmosis.
3. Rodents:
Leptospirosis: Rodents' waste can carry leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans and pets.
4. General Rule:
Always Be Cautious: Regardless of the animal, exercise caution when cleaning up waste or nesting materials.
Prioritizing Safety: At Wildlife Control Pros, we emphasize safety in every step of the process:
Professional Assistance: For extensive cleanup, especially with potentially hazardous materials, consider seeking professional help.
Expert Guidance: Unsure about cleaning up after wildlife? We're here to provide guidance:
Contact: Reach out at (231) 299-0929 or WildlifeControlPro@gmail.com for advice on safe cleanup practices.
Cleaning Responsibly: Cleaning up after wildlife requires diligence. Follow precautions to safeguard your family and pets while maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Comments