Squirrel droppings present a health risk because squirrels frequently inhabit human environments such as attics, walls, and gardens. Squirrel feces are carriers of zoonotic diseases that can transfer from animals to humans. These small, dark pellets, often found near nesting areas, can harbor various pathogens and parasites, creating a contaminated environment. Understanding how these contaminants enter the human body is necessary for risk mitigation.
Understanding Zoonotic Transmission
The danger from squirrel droppings often comes from indirect exposure to dried particles, not fresh feces. When droppings dry out, they crumble into fine dust, which becomes airborne and creates an inhalation risk during disturbance or cleanup. This pathway is concerning in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like attics where squirrel activity may have gone unnoticed.
Ingestion is another common route of exposure, occurring when fecal matter or urine contaminates food or water sources. Squirrels may leave droppings near bird feeders or in pantries they have accessed, and consuming contaminated items can lead to illness. Infection can also occur through direct contact by touching contaminated surfaces or droppings, and then inadvertently touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Treating any area contaminated by squirrel waste requires careful handling and decontamination.
Specific Bacteria and Parasites in Squirrel Droppings
A primary bacterial concern in squirrel feces is Salmonella, which causes Salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, appearing within six hours to two days after exposure. Squirrels can also transmit the bacteria that cause Leptospirosis, though this is more commonly associated with their urine. Exposure to Leptospira can lead to severe flu-like symptoms and potentially liver or kidney damage.
Squirrel droppings may contain parasitic eggs, such as Roundworm, which survive in the environment and pose an ingestion risk. Squirrels are also hosts for external parasites like fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. While Hantavirus is a serious concern with certain rodents, squirrels are not considered primary vectors for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS is overwhelmingly associated with deer mice, but all rodents should be treated with caution.
Preventing Exposure and Safe Cleanup Procedures
Minimizing exposure risk starts with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) before cleanup. You should wear disposable gloves, protective eyewear, and an N95 or P100 respirator to avoid inhaling airborne particles. Never dry sweep or vacuum squirrel droppings, as this action aerosolizes pathogens and increases the risk of inhalation.
The correct method involves saturating the contaminated area with a disinfectant solution to prevent dust creation. A common disinfectant is a bleach solution mixed at a ratio of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water. This solution should be applied to the droppings and surrounding surfaces until they are thoroughly wet, then allowed to soak for at least five minutes before removal. Once soaked, the droppings and nesting materials should be carefully wiped up using paper towels, which are then sealed in an airtight plastic bag for disposal with household trash.
After the visible waste is removed, the entire area should be cleaned again with the disinfectant solution and thoroughly mopped or sponged. Following sanitization, all reusable cleaning tools should be disinfected, and gloves should be washed with soap and water before removal. Securing your home by sealing entry points and removing outdoor food sources like unsecured garbage or spilled birdseed is necessary to prevent reinfestation and future contamination.