Common Viruses, Bacteria, and Parasites Found on Artificial Turf in Arizona

Artificial turf can harbor disease-causing organisms if not cleaned thoroughly and routinely.

Artificial turf offers Arizona homeowners an excellent way to enjoy a visually appealing, green, lush, and sustainable lawn throughout the year without watering, mowing, seeding, fertilizing, or weeding. Artificial turf is also durable, can withstand harsh conditions, prevents allergies, is ideal for pets and kids, drains properly, and stays green.

However, the key to enjoying these benefits is to clean and maintain the turf regularly. Without periodic upkeep, dirt and debris build-up, pet urine, and waste can prove hazardous to the family’s health. In addition, artificial turf can harbor disease-causing organisms if not cleaned thoroughly and routinely. Following are common bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can thrive on poorly maintained turfs:

Pinworms

Pinworms are thin, tiny, white parasitic worms that can be found in the rectum and colon. Intestinal worm infections can happen by accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs via contaminated food, drink, or fingers. These eggs hatch and mature in the intestine.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common but contagious fungal infection affecting the skin or scalp. Hair loss, ring-shaped rash, and itchy skin are common symptoms of ringworm.  

E. coli

Escherichia coli , commonly referred to as E. coli, spreads via contaminated food or water or contact with an infected individual or animal. Usually, the infected individual takes 3-4 days to show the symptoms. Some common issues caused by various strains of E. coli include urinary tract infections, food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, and severe illnesses in humans and animals.

Parvo

Parvo is a disease mainly affecting young dogs and is caused by a highly contagious parvovirus. It usually spreads through direct dog-to-dog contact or indirectly through their feces. Although it is preventable by vaccine, leaving the disease untreated proves deadly in most cases.

Staph

Staph is a type of infection caused by Staphylococcus bacteria and can spread from one person to another. Some have staph bacteria on their skin or noses, which can enter the body if there is a cut or wound on the skin.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a difficult-to-treat bacteria due to its resistance to certain antibiotics. As a result, it affects pets and humans, leading to boils, abscesses, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. It spreads via contact with an infected individual, surfaces, or things carrying the bacteria. To avoid it, practice good hygiene, like regular hand washing and regularly bathing pets to keep their skin and fur clean.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract of pets and humans. It can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever. It usually spreads through contact with an infected person or contaminated water and food. Salmonella is also transmitted from pets to humans.

H1N1

H1N1 is an influenza virus strain affecting pets and humans with seasonal flu-like symptoms, including body aches, fever, sneezing, and cough. H1N1 is a highly contagious virus and can spread from one person to another.

Distemper, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and pseudomonas aeruginosa are other threats that can linger on artificial turf. Avoid these threats by hiring a professional turf cleaning service to keep the turf clean, maintained, and in the best possible shape. 

TurfWash is an artificial turf cleaning company in Phoenix Metro offering safe, odorless cleaning for artificial turf and hardscape surfaces. Our family business has over 23 years of experience in the artificial turf industry. We take pride in our in-depth knowledge of artificial turf and our passion for providing excellent service. Give us a call at 602-560-8582