What is a Disease Vector?

Disease vectors or disease vector species are something that you may have heard about when referencing various infectious pathogens, such as malaria. 

In our line of work at Wildlife x Team International, we must be aware and updated on what creatures are disease vector species, and how to handle them for ours and our clients’ safety. 

In today’s post, we’ll be sharing with you what a disease vector is, is not, and some examples of disease vectors. 

Our video version of this post includes fascinating footage of microorganisms at work, which you can watch now by clicking here! 

Alternatively, feel free to download the podcast by pressing the download button above. 

Math Vectors?

First, no- we’re not referencing vectors in Math, though the two are the same in the method of action. 

What is a Disease Vector

A disease vector is an Agent that an infectious pathogen uses to transmit from one organism to another. 

Now, that might sound a bit complicated, so we’ll break it down and give some examples. 

The Agent can be anything that the disease uses to spread. It is often other creatures. 

Simply put: the Vector is a way that a disease can spread! 

Disease Vector Species

Some of the most common forms of disease vectors are other creatures. These are called “disease vector species.” 

In fact, one of the “deadliest” creatures in the world- the mosquito- is deadly only because it is a disease vector for other deadly pathogens, such as malaria. 

In the example of mosquitoes, they aren’t inherently dangerous. One bite won’t kill you. Even 5 won’t! 

However, mosquitoes can transmit malaria from person to person via blood, therefore Malaria uses mosquitoes as a “vector” to spread from person to person. 

Sometimes the pathogen will enter into a symbiotic state with a particular creature, remaining dormant or at the least not killing the Vector. 

In these cases the pathogen has the opportunity to transmit to several other creatures. 

More Examples of Disease Vector Species

Besides the mosquito, there are all kinds of vector species. For example, raccoons are a “rabies vector species,” meaning that rabies often uses raccoons in order to spread. 

Bats are also a common vector species, typically transmitting viruses via bites to humans. 

What This Means For You

This is why it’s quite important to NOT get bit by a wild animal or creature; the bite itself is not typically deadly or dangerous. 

However, the bite CAN lead to infection, or worse transmission of a deadly illness. 

For this reason it’s important to avoid wild creatures, and it’s why we take so seriously safety when dealing with wild creatures. 

Wildlife x Team

If you think you have a wildlife or pest-related problem, please contact us at 855-WILDLIFE or visit www.wildlifexteam.com and we’ll be sure to help you out! 

Thanks,
-Wildlife x Team International 
 

Submit a Comment

* Required Field
Offering
  • Pest X Team Logo
  • Junk X Team Logo
  • X Team Services Logo
  • X Team Bird Control Logo
  • Gutter X Team Logo
  • Mosquito X Team Logo
As Featured on These Networks & Affiliates
  • Apple News Logo
  • Fox Logo
Affiliations:
  • Elite Service Logo
  • National Pest Management Association Logo
  • NWCOA Logo
  • If you have raccoons in your attic, garage, or other areas of your home, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today! Wildlife X Team are experts in raccoon removal and exclusion services.
  • Squirrel problems are rampant nationally. Squirrels can cause extensive damage in and around homes, including soiling floors and walls. Squirrels don't stand a chance against Wildlife X Team®'s trained professional staff.
  • Rodent problems are common for homeowners, but Wildlife X Team® can help you prevent rodents from getting in your walls or your attic. Keep rodents out of your home by calling today!
  • Removing and relocating bats is best left to professionals, as bats will bite and scratch if threatened. If you see signs of bats on your property or want to know how to get rid of bats from your attic and chimney, please call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007.
  • Although armadillos have no reason to get into houses, there is a lot of damage armadillos can cause. Their diet consists mostly of grubs and insects, but when they burrow, it can affect the very structure of buildings. Call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Whether you are facing a snake infestation on your property or just notice a single snake, call (817) 431-3007 at Wildlife X Team® today. Most snakes are harmless, some are venomous, and we can remove all kinds of snakes safely and quickly.
  • Birds can add a lot of enjoyment to the outdoor experience, but sometimes they cause trouble. If you're having an issue with problem birds like pigeons, starlings, or sparrows, give Wildlife X Team® a call at (817) 431-3007.
  • At Wildlife X Team®, we offer worry-free opossum removal and trapping. We can also repair any opossum damage.
  • Infamous for their defense mechanism, skunks are smelly creatures. This unique critter releases a scent to ward off predators and stay safe, and it smells offensive and can be dangerous.
  • Coyotes, a relative of the canine, are known for terrorizing livestock, and even household pets. Coyotes are often active at night, and homeowners often report the howling cries of these medium-sized creatures.
  • Badgers are notorious for having a bite that rivals their bark — despite their less-than-formidable size! Badgers have been known to fight animals as large as a bear!
  • Beaver damage is primarily to landscapes like riverbeds and lakesides. If you discover beaver damage in your property, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 to help relocate beavers and repair any damages caused by these flat-tailed critters.
  • Nocturnal creatures, bobcats will take down any prey necessary, especially livestock. Bobcats are territorial and will often return to the property they have claimed as their own, especially if there is a steady food source.
  • Chipmunks can be annoying and clever creatures, but they're no match for Wildlife X Team®. We offer chipmunk removal, and chipmunk damage repair services, plus we know how to keep chipmunks from coming back!
  • Fox landscape damage and feeding behaviors can affect homeowners' safety, so it's important to not approach a fox if you see one in the wild or on your property. Wildlife X Team® offers fox removal, fox trapping, and fox prevention. Call today!
  • Lizards, similar in appearance to snakes, can be frightening if you spot one in the wild or in your home, and although they don't typically attack residents, it's still good to not approach lizards.
  • Mole damage is most commonly found on landscapes, and sometimes humans don't even come into contact with them, but they definitely experience mole damage.
  • If you have discovered scorpion(s) in your garden or on your property, call us today for scorpion removal services.
  • Voles are not often spotted by humans, but vole damage is visible. For vole trapping, vole removal, and vole damage repair services, call Wildlife X Team® today!
  • Infestations of bugs are common, so if you are facing an insect infestation, don't panic—we can help kill insects and get rid of them inside and outside your home.
  • Wild hog trapping and wild hog prevention are the most effective means of wild hog removal. Due to the aggressive nature of wild hogs, we do not recommend DIY wild hog trapping.
  • Termite infestations are common inside homes and on properties, so if you are dealing with insects, call Wildlife X Team® at (817) 431-3007 today to get rid of your termite problem fast and effectively!
  • Bee and wasp infestations are common, so if you are facing a stinging insect infestation, don't panic — we can help get rid of them inside and outside your home.
About
Wildlife X Team is rapidly becoming the leader in the nuisance wildlife control industry. We lead the way in the development of technology, education, products and services in Wildlife Management.
Read More About Us
100% Financing
SuperMoney offers 100% financing up to $100,000 and 30 second approvals. You'll fill out one easy form and get competing pre-approved loan offers back in real time.
Apply Now
Wildlife X Team offers an exclusive Wildlife Inspection Report® which includes commonly overlooked areas where wildlife can enter and infest your home.
Project: Install or Upgrade Blown-In Insulation
Honest. Ready to work and will go around my schedule. Thank you.
Jennifer J., Katy, Texas