Which pest is known for spreading hantavirus?

The pest known for spreading hantavirus is the deer mouse. This particular rodent has been identified as a primary carrier of hantavirus, which can lead to serious health issues in humans, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The deer mouse's habitat often overlaps with areas where human activities take place, increasing the likelihood of transmission, especially through inhalation of aerosols containing the virus from dried urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.

The habits of the deer mouse, which is often found in rural areas as well as in some urban settings, contribute to its role as a vector for the disease. Understanding the ecology and behavior of deer mice is crucial for pest control measures and public health strategies aimed at preventing hantavirus infections. The other rodents mentioned may carry different diseases but are not significant carriers of hantavirus, highlighting the unique status of the deer mouse in relation to this virus.