Apparently, especially in the NW, there was also quite the flea and rodent issue in some native lodges. As well as all the other vermin that go with them.

One site they came upon they speculated the locals abandoned the whole village due to the flea infestation

Founder
Ancient Order of the 1895 Winchester

"Come, shall we go and kill us venison?
And yet it irks me the poor dappled fools,
Being native burghers of this desert city,
Should in their own confines with forked heads
Have their round haunches gored."

WS