Hantavirus - What Homeowners Need to Know

A rodent infestation isn't just unnerving, it's potentially dangerous to your health. These critters can be carriers of a disease called Hantavirus. When the unwanted rodents leave urine, droppings, or saliva around a home, this virus can make it into the air, where it can be inhaled by humans. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with the waste or nesting material of a rodent carrying the virus.

Recognizing Hantavirus Symptoms

Most illnesses caused by exposure to Hantavirus come in the form of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Symptoms commonly occur 1–8 weeks after exposure. The exact symptoms depend on the phase of exposure:

• Early symptoms: Fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues
  
• Late symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs
  

The late symptoms occur between 4–10 days after exposure. The condition can progress rapidly and has a mortality rate of 5-15%.

Protecting Your Home and Family

The best way to protect yourself is to keep the rodents out of your home. If that fails, you must be careful about exposure. To reduce the risk of HPS:

• Seal all entry points where rodents can get into your home, including any cracks and holes.
  
• Keep food in rodent-proof containers and clean up food spills that might attract rodents.
  
• Keep indoor and outdoor areas clean and clutter-free to make them less attractive for nesting.
  

To reduce the risk of exposure when cleaning areas of rodent infestation:

• Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, as it can spread the virus through the air.
  
• Ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
  
• Spray any droppings with disinfectant before cleaning.
  
• Wear rubber gloves and use paper towels to pick up waste.
  
• Dispose of waste in sealed bags.
  

Preventing Rodent Access with Critter Guard

At Critter Guard, implementing our pest control products is one of the best ways to keep rodents out of your home. Our Line Guard and Pole Guard solutions block rodents from using utility lines and poles as pathways into a home. The barrier they create helps prevent infestations and avoid Hantavirus-related illness. Contact us to learn more about how our products work.