The coronavirus crisis is far from over yet there are already fears of another potential outbreak coming from, you guessed it, China. Authorities in the Asian country confirmed that a case of bubonic plague has been recorded in Inner Mongolia, particularly in the city of Bayannur. For now, the World Health Organization believes the case is still not a high risk situation since it is supposedly being managed well. According to China Daily, however, “there is a risk of a human plague epidemic spreading in the city.”
If that is true, we need to be doubly careful. In case the plague gets out of the said city, it’s possible it will turn into another global problem. We were caught unprepared by COVID-19 and I don’t think we can handle another outbreak.
As they say, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” So if you don’t want to end up a fool, or worse dead, get your act together and prepare to survive bubonic plague.
Learn More About the Bubonic Plague
To defeat an enemy, you need to know everything you can about it. Find its weaknesses and strengths. The more you know, the better your chances.
It’s the same thing with diseases. In the film Contagion, authorities immediately sent people to affected areas to know more about the disease. Unfortunately, it took some time before they found a cure.
In real life, the coronavirus crisis is still wreaking havoc because we know very little about it. Despite the best efforts of our scientists and medical experts, the virus is several steps ahead.
Most people know bubonic plague as the disease that wiped out about 50 million people off the place of the planet. The Black Death happened during the fourteenth century in Europe. Since it happened so long ago and far from US shores, many Americans are perhaps not too worried about the bubonic plague. However, this disease still exists. In fact, the CDC reported that 10 to 15 Americans are infected by the plague each year.
The bubonic plague is an infection of the lymphatic system caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria. Humans can get the bubonic plague when they come in contact with an infected animal or their fleas. The usual suspects are rodents such as rats, mice, chipmunks, squirrels and even rabbits.
Symptoms include fever, vomiting, bleeding, organ failure, and open sores. Once you experience these symptoms, it’s vital to get treatment immediately. If left untreated the infection can spread in the bloodstream, which may result to sepsis. If it gets to the lungs, you can get pneumonia. About 60 percent of untreated cases result in death.
Fortunately, the world of medicine has had enough time since the Black Death to figure out how to deal with the bacteria. Having the knowledge isn’t enough to prevent a pandemic, though. People still need to practice proper hygiene and other steps to stay healthy and plague-free.
Avoid Plague-Stricken Areas
International travel is still not highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) and the Department of State. It’s best to stay put right now and avoid high risk areas such as China.
Let’s say the plague reaches American shores, do know what to do? Your best move is to stay away from places with reported cases. If bubonic plague is recorded where you are, you need to stay calm. Panicking is never the solution. Confine yourself to your home and wait for official announcements from the local government.
Stay Away From Wild Animals
Be wary of wild animals when you’re out. This one especially goes to those who like to go hiking or camping. Aside from possible animal attacks, you can also get in contact with whatever disease they are carrying. Stay away from nests and burrows, as well.
Another thing, don’t go near a dead animal. The carcass may be infected and touching it is risky and kind of deplorable. Use disposable gloves if you really have to touch them. Disinfect after disposing of the carcass properly.
Arrange A Neighborhood Clean Up
We should start doing our part to keep it from spreading in case it does become a global problem. Before the plague hits our shores, arrange clean-up drives in your neighborhood. Get in touch with the leaders in your area so you can discuss this project.
It will be quite difficult to get volunteers since COVID-19 is still a problem. Maybe the local government can hire professionals to handle rodent problems. They can also get people to keep you’re the city or town clean, particularly along the streets and sewers. It’s also a good idea to make sure the neighborhood trash is properly segregated and disposed of.
Plague-Proof Your Home
As mentioned, rodents are mostly responsible for the spread of the bubonic plague. The main concern in your home is how to keep it rodent-free so your chances to avoid and survive bubonic plague are better.
Aside from actually seeing mice, the presence of their droppings is one tell-tale sign that you have rodents in your home. They look like black or dark rice grains. Once you see them, expect more than one mouse or rat in your residence. Bubonic plague or not, you should get rid of them since they’re notorious carriers of diseases.
Clean Your Surroundings
Reduce the clutter and vegetation outside and you lessen the chances of rats taking residence in your home. Rodents love bushes, shrubs, and trees. Maintain your yard by trimming your plants and trees regularly. Get rid of dried leaves and grass even those on the roof and gutter.
Check the rest of your property for spots where rodents may hide. Clean your tool shed, garden shed, outhouse, barn, dog house, and other structures.
Maintain A Clean Home
Rodents are attracted to poor sanitation. While cleaning up won’t actually get rid of them, it will at least make your home less attractive for other rodents. Once you do get rid of your vermin housemates, it’ll be easier to keep the others out if you already have a clean home.
Start inside your house. Take it from Mari Kondo. The less clutter you have, the better you will feel. Plus, you’ll be a lot safer from rat-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and the bubonic plague.
Repair or Cover Possible Entry Points
Release your inner Sherlock Holmes and do a thorough investigation on your home. Once you sorted out your clutter, it will be easier to spot holes, cracks and other entryways rodents and even snakes can use to get inside your home.
Use hydraulic cement to fix holes on concrete walls. This type of cement is made specifically to stop water flow. If flooding is an issue in your area, fixing these holes should definitely be on your to do list. By accomplishing this, you solve two problems in just one go.
The DRYLOK Fast Plug Hydraulic Cement is easy to use. Simply mix the powder with water then apply to the area using a putty knife. The cement sets in just 3 to 5 minutes plus it doesn’t need a top coat. It shouldn’t be much of a problem fixing these holes.
Check all your windows and doors for holes. Rodents can easily get through damaged screen doors and windows. Fix those that are stuck or don’t close completely.
Keep Them Away From Food
Rodents are in your home because of food. As long as they find something to eat, they’ll stay and annoy the heck out of you. Make sure your pantry is rat-proof. Start by covering holes that the rodents can slip through. Make sure all foods are kept in mouse-proof containers. They can easily chew through carton boxes and plastic bags. Keep them in airtight food containers instead.
Invest on a Shazo Airtight Container Set. This set includes 7 stackable BPA-free containers of different sizes. Use them to store dry food or liquids.
Never leave food around the house. Once you’re done eating, place leftovers inside the refrigerator or in airtight containers. Clean up after eating, as well. Rats love crumbs you leave behind.
Speaking of cleaning up, don’t forget about your trash. Always throw your trash like food wrappers in the trash bin. Avoid trash build-up, too. Take the trash out regularly. As for your food scraps, keep them in a small compost bin and make sure it’s covered or sealed well. Once the scraps are ready, you can add them to your compost pile for your garden. Check out some tips to keep rats away from your compost.
The Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin is quite popular on Amazon with more than 4,700 customers giving it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. One reason why is probably its look. The 201 stainless steel and sleek design gives it a classy look that you wouldn’t think there’s something rotting inside. The compost bin can keep up to 1.3 gallons of kitchen scraps. It comes with charcoal filters to keep the smell from getting out.
Use DIY Mice Repellents
Some of you may prefer not to hurt these little rascals but still want to get rid of them. Homemade mice repellents should help.
Peppermint Mouse Repellent
Apparently, rats dislike the smell of peppermint. That makes peppermint essential oil the perfect ingredient for your DIY mouse repellent. You just have to combine 25 drops of undiluted peppermint essential oil and 8 pounces of water. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and spray away. Make sure you get into those tight spots where the rodents would likely hide.
Spark Naturals Peppermint Pure Essential Oil is not only good against mice. Spray some in your room or rub a few drops on your temple if you’re feeling a bit tense. Ingesting a couple of drops diluted in 4 ounces of water also helps the digestive system.
Vinegar Mouse Repellent
White vinegar is definitely a multi-tasker. Most of us know it is used for cooking, cleaning and disinfecting but are you aware it’s also a mouse repellent? Apparently, rodents don’t like its smell, too. To make your repellent, simply soak 3 to 5 cotton balls with 4 to 5 tablespoons vinegar. Place the cotton balls along strategic areas, especially near their entry points.
Adopt A Cat
Be a cat parent and watch your feline friend chase after rats all day. Well, not exactly but their presence in your home will not bode well for these free-loading rodents.
Also, place your litter box in areas that rats like to hang around. The scent plus the fact that your pet cat uses the litter regularly should deter the rodents. Put some of the used kitty litter in a container then place it in other areas that rats frequent. That is, if you can handle the smell yourself.
Use Mouse Traps or Rat Poison
You don’t need the bubonic plague to convince you to get rid of rodents in your home. Rats spread more than 35 diseases. Those are 35-plus things you really don’t need right now or ever.
The possible health risks should outweigh your love for all living things. If there is one animal you should not feel guilty exterminating, it’s rats. Disease-carrying cockroaches and mosquitoes needs to go to but let’s focus on the bubonic plague for now.
Rodenticides are effective against rats but they do pose as health risks for humans and pets. If you are using rat poison, you may have to deal with contaminated blood from the rats. There’s also the issue with rat corpses rotting in between walls or other hard-to-reach areas.
Mouse traps are more popular since you only have to use bait and wait for it to catch a rat. If you catch one, you need to dispose of it properly and immediately to keep it from stinking up the house. Don’t forget to wear gloves when you handle the body.
If you really prefer not to hurt them, there are more humane ways of getting rid of rats. Use something like CaptSure Original Humane Mouse Traps. This easy to set up contraption uses a bait compartment, spring doors, fulcrum and door latch to catch them vermins. Once the rat is trapped inside it remains unhurt and can even breathe well thanks to the air holes. You then have to release it somewhere far from human population where it won’t become a problem.
Hire A Professional
Hiring a professional exterminator is an option you should consider especially when the rat infestation is out of your league. Also, they know better when it comes to handling chemicals. If you’re not confident with your chemical knowhow, better leave the professionals to it.
Another advantage of professionals is they know how to deal with other pests and not only rats. They can check if you have other pest problems.
Keep Your Pets Healthy
Pets can also get infected with the plague. If the infected fleas in rats get to your pets, you’ll have more problems than before. Make sure your pets stay healthy so they don’t become disease carriers themselves.
Aside from regular baths, you should also use other ways to prevent fleas. The Bayer Advantage II 6-Dose Large Cat Flea Prevention gives your pet cat 6 months of protection from fleas.
For dogs, the Bayer Animal Health Seresto Flea and Tick Collar should do the trick. The collar gives your mutt 8 months of protection from fleas and ticks. It’s non-greasy and odorless, too.
Essential oils are also effective and a more natural method of ridding your dog of fleas. Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citronella essential oils all work against fleas. Just fill a spray bottle with a mixture of a few drops and water then spray on your dog.
Prepare for the Possible Repercussions
Around 50 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance in just a period of 16 weeks. This figure stems from all the closed businesses due to the coronavirus crisis. Though a number of them are back in business after most of the country has reopened, there are those that completely shut down.
Let’s not forget the laid off workers. A number of huge companies had to let go of people just to keep their businesses going. Macy’s, for example, said it will be forced to severe ties with around 3,900 employees to save $365 million.
How the common folk will survive bubonic plague in case it turns into another pandemic is anyone’s guess. To say that such a scenario is troubling is certainly an understatement. But you shouldn’t just throw in the towel. You need to roll with the punches. This is possible if you start preparing now.
Save Money
Every family should have a buffer to keep them going in case their main source of income goes kaput. Take this coronavirus crisis, for example. Most families were caught unprepared and are now having a difficult time after losing their jobs or businesses. If only they had money stashed somewhere, they’d still be able to buy food and other basic necessities and pay their bills. Start saving now and be ready when disaster strikes.
Stock Up On Supplies
The current pandemic taught us the importance of stockpiling food, water, and other supplies. When news of the virus started to spread, people panicked and started buying toilet paper. This proves that most Americans know little about prepping.
If you really want to survive bubonic plague and other SHTF scenarios, you must focus on the basics. Fill your prepper pantry with food, water and other supplies necessary to keep you alive.
Start with your water and food supply. You need water to survive. Remember, it is not advised to go out during a pandemic. In case the water supply is cut off during an emergency, you’ll end up dehydrated if you don’t have clean drinking stored at home.
Stock up on foods with long shelf life. Canned goods and dried foods should top your list. The Survival Cave Food Mixed Canned Meat is a good start. Each box contains 12 cans (28 ounces each) of beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. They can be eaten straight from the can though you’d likely prefer using the contents to cook a delicious meal. The all-natural meat should last for 25 years.
Aside from food, you need to stock up on grains, nuts, cereal, condiments, and oils among others. Check this out for a more detailed list of items you need to have in your prepper pantry. Don’t forget about baby needs, pet supplies, medicines, cleaning materials, hygiene products, and other items you’ll need to live a normal life as possible when the next pandemic strikes.
Be More Self-Sufficient
You don’t have to always buy the things you need. If you’re smart, you can be more self-sufficient. Start by growing your own food in your yard. An edible garden will provide you with vegetables, herbs and even fruits. That means less trips to the grocery stores, which is something you wouldn’t want to do during a pandemic.
If you have a wide enough property, you can raise livestock, as well. Chicken and quails are two of the best choices since they’re easier to raise compared to other animals.
Aquaponics is something you should take a look at, too. This system allows you to grow plants and raise fish at the same time. If you’re successful, you’ll slash a significant amount from your grocery expenses.
Aside from food sources, you should also think of alternative sources of energy. Generators are quite popular in homesteads. It does require fuel, however. Wood ovens are great for cooking food and boiling water without electricity. You only need charcoal or firewood and a source of fire.
A good choice would be solar panels. The Goal Zero Nomad 100 Solar Panel powers electronics using energy harvested from the sun. It’s designed for outdoor use but it’s a good thing to have at home during emergencies.
Solar ovens eliminate the need for fire and wood. The GoSun Solar Kitchen includes the Fusion Hybrid Solar/Electric Oven. This gives you the option of cooking with electricity or with the help of the sun. The Solar Kitchen set also includes the GoSun Chill Solar Cooker, which keeps drinks and food cold without ice. Then there’s the SolarTable 60 and PowerBank+, which are used to power your solar oven and cooler while also charging your devices.
What To Do When You Suspect A Bubonic Plague Case
Whether it’s you or someone else that is suspected of being infected with the plague, you must report it to the authorities. First, immediately see a doctor so the suspected case can be treated right away. Local and state officials should then be informed about the suspected bubonic plague patient. The CDC will then relay the news to the World Health Organization.
Again, if you suspect that you or someone is infected, it’s vital to get help. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the higher your chances that you’ll survive bubonic plague and keep it from becoming another pandemic.
One pandemic in our lifetime is more than enough. But despite our best efforts to have a pandemic-free world, there’ll always be the possibility of a new virus sprouting. Such is the case with COVID-19. You also cannot discount that an old one will rear its ugly head once more. The fact that the bubonic plague is still among us should not be a cause of panic. It should make you aware of the need to prepare for another potential Black Death, though.
Follow Gentleman Pirate Club to get more tips on how to survive bubonic plague and other potential global disasters.
