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Rabies Alert – Problem Wildlife That Can Transmit The Dreaded Virus

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Have you ever seen a person who is in the final stages of a rabies infection? It is frightening and very distressing. An infected person in the advanced stages of rabies shows aggression. He is delusional, and he sweats and salivates excessively. He will also experience three different phobias which are: hydrophobia or fear of water, aerophobia or fear of light breeze, and photophobia, or fear of bright light.

If you are thinking, “I don’t have to fear rabies. It’s not that common here any more.” Yes, that is correct. Rabies is not very common in the US, UK, and many other developed countries. It is more prevalent in poorer nations where there isn’t enough attention given to rabies vaccinations.

However, you still have to be wary because there are creatures that you can find at home or in your surroundings that might carry the rabies virus. In case you do notice these wild animals near or inside your property, do not handle them without taking proper precautions. Better yet, call a pest control professional that can get rid of the problem wildlife for you. Below are three examples.

1. Raccoons

Raccoons are very common carriers of the dreaded rabies virus. Rabid raccoons are a problem in many areas of the US, particularly the eastern regions. The problem here is that raccoons, although wild, are often seen encroaching in residential or commercial properties.

There are many reasons why these animals trespass into homes or buildings. For one, they seek new homes because their natural habitats are continuously being flattened to give way to high-rise buildings or public housing. These animals are omnivores, so they are attracted to trash that contains meats, fruits, and other human garbage. Aside from concerns about raccoons carrying and spreading rabies to humans and pets, these creatures can also cause property damage. They can chew through wood and even plastic pipes, and they are also notorious garden pests.

2. Skunks

Skunks invade human residences for the same reasons that raccoons do. A skunk’s diet is more or less the same as a mole’s, which consists of soil insects, worms, and grubs. Skunks can destroy lawns and gardens as they look for food. Although they prefer insects, skunks are also known to feed on eggs and smaller mammals, like mice.

Like the raccoon, skunks can also overturn garbage bins while searching for food. They can also burrow underneath houses or buildings, as well as porches. As they do so, they could damage the foundation of a structure and create a mess with their nests. Skunks are also known carriers of the rabies virus, and they are a serious concern in the Midwest.

3. Bats

One dangerous issue about bats is that they can travel many miles to other areas. Because they are widely scattered, those that are infected with rabies can also pass on the disease to many kinds of animals in different areas. As for their diet, these creatures are insectivores.

So, they are also attracted to properties or homes where there are insects, as well as areas where there are fruit trees. Once bats infest a house, the homeowner will notice the following: strange noises as bats go about their daily activities; droppings, which usually contain insect parts; brownish to black stains on surfaces, especially near openings or holes; and actual presence of bats. (The stains come from their fur.) Bats are also most noticeable during dusk and early evening.