Understanding Wildlife Diseases: What Southeast Michigan Homeowners Should Know

Wildlife sightings around your home can be fascinating, but they can also come with hidden risks—particularly when it comes to disease. Animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, squirrels, and rodents can carry and transmit illnesses that may affect people and pets. Understanding wildlife diseases and how to safely respond to animal intrusions is essential for keeping your family, pets, and property safe.

At Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan, we specialize in humane wildlife control while also helping homeowners stay informed and protected from health hazards.

Common Wildlife Diseases in Southeast Michigan

Several diseases are commonly associated with wildlife in our region. While not every wild animal is infected, any contact with wildlife or their droppings should be taken seriously.

Rabies
Rabies is perhaps the most well-known disease carried by wild animals, particularly raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. This deadly virus affects the nervous system and can be transmitted through bites or saliva. Animals with rabies may appear unusually aggressive, disoriented, or active during the day.

Leptospirosis
Often spread through the urine of infected animals such as raccoons, skunks, or rodents, leptospirosis can cause serious illness in both humans and pets. The bacteria can contaminate water, soil, or surfaces, and enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes.

Histoplasmosis
Bats and birds are common carriers of the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease. It spreads through spores found in droppings, particularly in enclosed spaces like attics, basements, and barns. Inhaling these spores can lead to flu-like symptoms or more serious lung infections.

Roundworm (Baylisascaris)
Raccoons can carry a parasite known as Baylisascaris, which is present in their feces. This roundworm can cause serious neurological issues if ingested by humans, particularly children. Contaminated soil, water, or surfaces can pose a risk if proper hygiene is not followed.

Hantavirus
Primarily associated with rodents, hantavirus is transmitted through contact with urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus can become airborne when these materials are disturbed, and can cause severe respiratory illness.

How Wildlife Spreads Disease Around the Home

Wildlife doesn’t need to bite or scratch to be dangerous. Animals can spread disease by:

  • Nesting in attics, crawlspaces, or sheds

  • Contaminating food or water sources

  • Leaving feces or urine in or around your home

  • Dying in inaccessible areas, causing odor and decay

  • Carrying ticks, fleas, and mites that spread additional diseases

Even brief or indirect contact with contaminated areas can pose health risks, especially for children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Safe and Humane Response to Wildlife Concerns

If you suspect wildlife activity in or around your home, do not attempt to trap, relocate, or remove animals on your own. Not only can this be dangerous, but improper handling can also spread disease.

Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan provides professional, humane wildlife control services that prioritize safety for both people and animals. Our approach includes:

  • Safe and ethical removal of nuisance wildlife

  • Cleanup and sanitation of contaminated areas

  • Sealing of entry points to prevent future infestations

  • Guidance on reducing attractants and wildlife-proofing your home

Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Preventing wildlife from entering your property is the most effective way to reduce your risk of disease. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

  • Keep trash cans sealed and secure

  • Feed pets indoors and store food in sealed containers

  • Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, holes, or vents animals could use for entry

  • Keep attics, garages, and sheds clean and well-maintained

  • Avoid touching or approaching wild animals, even if they appear injured or sick

When to Call for Help

If you notice unusual animal behavior, hear scratching in the walls or attic, or find animal droppings around your home, it’s time to call in a professional. Attempting to clean up after wildlife without proper protection or training can expose you to serious health hazards.

Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan is here to help with compassionate, effective, and responsible wildlife control. Our trained specialists will assess your situation, safely remove the animals, and clean and secure your home to prevent further issues.

While wildlife is an important part of Michigan’s natural ecosystem, animals should never be allowed to settle inside or near your home. Understanding the risks associated with wildlife diseases helps you make informed decisions that protect your health and the wellbeing of your family.

For peace of mind and expert help with any wildlife issue, contact Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan today.