Bird Droppings Affecting Your Health- Useful Information

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

The most serious health risks arise from disease organisms that can grow in the nutrient-rich accumulations of bird droppings, feathers and debris. Not only are bird droppings an unsightly mess that can be difficult to remove and cause slip-and-fall accidents, they also harbor numerous human pathogens.  How dangerous are bird droppings to human health?  The question seems simple but quantifying a human’s risk of acquiring disease from a bird or its droppings is difficult since exposure to the pathogens does not always result in disease and most bird-related zoonotic diseases are not reportable to health authorities.

Examples of transmissible bird diseases associated with pigeons, geese, starling and house sparrows:

• Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that may be fatal. It results from a fungus growing in dried bird droppings. It is a dimorphic fungus that can be either in yeast form or in filamentous form.
• Candidiasis is a yeast or fungus infection spread by pigeons. The disease affects the skin, the mouth, the respiratory system, the intestines and the urogenital tract, especially the vagina. It is a growing problem for women, causing itching, pain and discharge.
• Cryptococcosis is caused by yeast found in the intestinal tract of pigeons and starlings. The illness often begins as a pulmonary disease and may later affect the central nervous system. Since attics, cupolas, ledges, schools, offices, warehouses, mills, barns, park buildings, signs, etc. are typical roosting and nesting sites, the fungus is apt to found in these areas.
• St. Louis Encephalitis, an inflammation of the nervous system, usually causes drowsiness, headaches and fever. It may even result in paralysis, coma or death. St. Louis encephalitis occurs in all age groups, but is especially fatal to persons over age 60. The disease is spread by mosquitoes which have fed on infected house sparrow, pigeons and house finches carrying the Group B virus responsible for St. Louis encephalitis.
• Salmonellosis often occurs as “food poisoning” and can be traced to pigeons, starlings, sparrows and other rodents.  The disease bacteria are found in bird droppings; dust from droppings can be sucked through ventilators and air conditioners, contaminating food and cooking surfaces in restaurants, homes and food processing plants.
• E.coli  infection: It is one of the common infection caused by an enteric bacteria. This bacteria often traced in the fecal matters. When some bird or rodent visit such sites they carry these and spread to humans. Such as when birds peck on cow manure, the E. coli(O157:H7) go right through the birds and the bird droppings can land on or in a food or water supply. 
• Bird fecal matter and feathers can have devastating effects on the heating and cooling components and indoor air quality of a commercial facility.  Pigeon problems can affect employees, maintenance personnel and potentially customers. If you come across any bird droppings at your home or business contact the trained professionals at 203-791-0920 to properly remediate the issue.

Crime Scenes and the Importance of Professional Cleaning

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Cleaning up a crime scene is grisly work, but it needs to be done. It should be done by professionals no matter what. You may be wondering why that is, so we’re here to explain. There are actually several reasons why you should always call in a professional to clean scenes of murder, drug-related damages, or any other major crime. Are you ready to learn more? Well, let’s get started!

Crime Scenes carry sensitive information.

Once the police force has thoroughly investigated the crime scene, the area may be covered in residues specific to a crime scene. Tear gas residue, fingerprint gathering dust, and other police specific things may remain once the investigation is over. Cleaning them is not always as simple as a little scrub either. Cleaning up a fire extinguisher’s remains is also no picnic. These things are better left to the professionals.

Crime Scenes can be dangerous.

A crime that resulted in major injury or death can often leave behind hazardous waste that can pose a danger to you. Blood can carry many pathogens and should never be handled by anyone who doesn’t know what they are doing. Not to mention the fact that blood stains are difficult to clean. There are also special protocols for the removal of many crime scene elements including blood and harmful chemicals. We can also handle any leftover meth lab issues. These are particularly dangerous scenes, so please let us handle it. It’s for your safety.

Crime Scenes can be emotional.

Whether or not someone you know was involved in the crime scene doesn’t necessarily indicate whether or not it will have an emotional impact. These circumstances tend to be difficult for all people involved. So, when it comes time to clean the area, you may be better off allowing a third party to come in and take away some of your burden.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield

Contact SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield if you ever do need crime scene or biohazard cleaning. We offer a full range of cleaning services for jobs of all shapes and sizes. We follow OSHA and EPA codes so that we can take your mess and make miracles happen. For more information on SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield's Services, call 203-791-0920

Sewage Backup in a Danbury business

8/24/2016 (Permalink)

This commercial property in Danbury, CT sustained a sewage backup affecting the exercise area in the basement. Our crews responded on a holiday weekend to begin emergency extraction and mitigation services. Containment barriers were setup to prevent cross contamination along with H.E.P.A. filtered air scrubbers to remove air-borne particulate. Carpeting was removed due to possible bacteria contamination  and all areas were cleaned and disinfected.

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today –(203) 791-0920

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Have Mice Invaded Your Danbury, CT Home or Business?

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

Mice may carry bacteria, viruses and other diseases. As a result, cleaning efforts following an infestation must be cautiously attempted. It is important not to disturb dust particles or rodent feces in affected areas. Nest materials should also be left undisturbed during this time. Sweeping or vacuuming these materials may lead to the further release of harmful airborne particles.

Deer mice are the primary transmitters of hantavirus, although other rodents such as white-footed mice, cotton rats, and rice rats may also be carriers. This virus can be fatal and is found within the deer mouse’s feces, urine and saliva. Hantavirus is transmitted to humans through airborne particles, and symptoms are similar to those of the common flu. However, individuals with this virus must seek medical attention immediately upon recognition

If you have a rodent problem contact our exterminator immediately, and once the problem has been rectified the trained technicians at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield can perform all the proper cleaning and disinfecting required to bring your home or business to a safe environment.