Rodent Cleanup and Proofing In Palo Alto specializes in the removal and disinfection of areas affected by pigeons, rats, mice, cockroaches and other rodents and/or insects that unfortunately often take residence in our homes and businesses. We are one of the only companies in the nation offering rat, mouse, pigeon and other rodent droppings removal with disinfection. There are dozens of diseases that can be found in these droppings (see chart below). Most of the time the threat is exaggerated, but in certain cases, there is a real danger through direct contact or simply by breathing the air in these contaminated environments. Rodent Cleanup and Proofing In Palo Alto can quickly and effectively remove all droppings and any dead rodents, as well as apply the appropriate disinfectant to the involved areas. Unfortunately, even when rodents are exterminated, their scent remains which attracts other rodents to take their place. These areas must be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and sealed to prevent an ongoing infestation. From attics to basements and garages, there are no areas of a home or business that we can’t completely clean and disinfect. Call for an in home assessment and estimate.

Pigeon and Bird Proofing – Rodent Cleanup and Proofing In Palo Alto is an authorized installer for Bird-B-Gone Products, and all bird and pigeon proofing products. If you have any issues with pigeons, bats, owls, or any other birds, let us know. We can install netting, wire, spikes, and other bird preventers…whatever you need, we can do. We will bird proof the area to prevent it from becoming an issue ever again! One call can get your property cleaned, disinfected, and completely bird-proofed.

Often times a pigeons nest or roost is the area of biggest concern. Over several years pigeon droppings can accumulate and bacteria as well as parasites can be present. Even if the droppings are dried over long periods of time the danger is still present. Diseases can be contagious through the air or direct contact. Caution should be used when around areas with heavy droppings, especially in a poorly ventilated areas such as attics. The photos to the right show typical pigeon and rat infestations. Signs to look for if you think you have a problem are:

HANTAVIRUS PULMONARY SYNDROME

• Description: A viral disease that may be contracted through direct contact with, or inhalation of, aerosolized infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
• Cause: Disease caused by a virus found in the saliva, urine and droppings of some species of wild rodents, especially deer mice.
• Incubation: period 1 to 5 weeks.
• Symptoms: Fever, severe muscle aches, fatigue. After a few days, difficulty breathing, dizziness, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
• Diagnosis: By physician although laboratory tests difficult and not always conclusive.
• Treatment: Supportive care by a physician.
• Mode of Transmission: Contact with mouse urine, droppings and nesting materials. Also by stirring up – or aerosolizing – mouse urine and droppings when cleaning contaminated areas.

HISTOPLASMOSIS

Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) found primarily in the areas drained by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Both humans and animals can be affected. The disease is transmitted to humans by airborne fungus spores from soil contaminated by pigeon and starling droppings (as well as from the droppings of other birds and bats). The soil under a roost usually has to have been enriched by droppings for two years or more for the disease organism to reach significant levels. Although almost always associated with soil, the fungus has been found in droppings (particularly from bats) alone, such as in an attic.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

Infection occurs when spores, carried by the air are inhaled — especially after a roost has been disturbed. Most infections are mild and produce either no symptoms or a minor influenza- like illness. On occasion, the disease can cause high fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia and even death. In some areas, including portions of Illinois, up to 80 percent of the population show evidence of previous infection. Outbreaks of histoplasmosis have occurred in Central Illinois.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported a potentially blinding eye condition — presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) — that probably results from the fungus. NIH estimates that 4 percent of those exposed to the disease are at risk of developing OHS.