More Pests, More Problems: Health Threats and the Common Pests that Carry them
During 2020 it is more important than ever for us to stay on top of our health. With COVID-19 looming around every corner, building your immune system and avoiding being sick is important. When pests enter your home, not only is it a nuisance, but a lot of common pests carry health threats too.
When thinking of the word pest, many people associate the word with adjectives such as gross, or creepy. But in reality, these pests can be a lot more gross and creepy than you realize because they pose both direct and indirect threats to you and your family’s health. This is because many pests, such as, mosquitoes, rats, and fleas are carriers for human disease. So what exactly are the threats that common household pests pose to you and your loved ones?
Common Pests & their Health Threats
From cockroaches, to mosquitoes all common pests have health threats related to their specific to species.
Cockroaches
Let’s be honest, cockroaches are disgusting. Even just thinking about them makes our skin crawl, but aside from their ick factor, this common pets can pose serious health threats. Cockroaches multiply EXTREMELY quickly, so it doesn’t take long for a small colony to turn into an infestation. Roaches are insects that shed their skin and leave behind urine and droppings wherever they go, in turn causing airborne allergens to become present within your home. These particles will then cause an allergic reaction to those who suffer from asthma or people who are sensitive to allergens. As if that wasn’t enough of a health threat, since these pests can sneak in through small cracks, drains, vents and sewer pipes, they tend to leave other services such as your countertops and cupboards contaminated with various pathogens and bacteria (i.e. E coli and salmonella). The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states that one-in-five children have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens, making it even more important to protect your home from these pests.
Mosquitoes
When it comes to mosquitoes most people are aware that they can carry and transmit disease from person to person. Making mosquitoes not only annoying but also guilty of causing extreme health threats. These bugs are carriers of the West Nile virus, a disease that causes mild flu-like symptoms and can cause life threatening diseases such as meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and it’s surrounding membranes), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord). This makes avoiding mosquito breeding and nesting sites and the elimination of standing water around your home that much more important. Another health threat that these pests cause are itchy marks which are one, unsightly and two, can cause severe allergic reactions.
Rodents
Rodents are able to enter buildings through almost any opening or crack, making it extremely easy for them to find their way into your home. This common pests’ health threats can be traced back to their droppings which can cause allergic reactions and disease. One of these diseases being the Hantavirus. This virus has different strands depending on the rodent species that has been carrying it, however, early symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, dizziness, and other abdominal problems to name a few and in some cases can result in death. Including the Hantavirus, rodents are also vectors for about 35 other diseases which are spread through bites, contaminated food, and contaminated water.
Bed Bugs
While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they do pose a threat to your mental health. While it is possible for you to be infected by scratching a bite, the more common health threats that bed bugs pose are insomnia, social isolation, stress, and depression. These health threats can be just as serious and harmful as the physical illnesses that some pests carry.
Ticks
A common health threat that ticks pose is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of tick that at first, causes symptoms that include, fevers, rashes, headaches and fatigue. If not treated immediately, this disease can spread to your nervous system, joints, and your heart. This pests’ health threat is indicated by a rash that appears to resemble a bull’s eye around the bite.
Stinging Pests
Bees, yellow jackets, and hornets are a few of the insects that make up this category. When it comes to these pests, more than 500,000 are sent to the emergency each year from the health threats that they pose. These insects are aggressive and usually sting as a way to protect their colonies. Their aggressive nature combined with being disturbed lead them to sting repeatedly, adding to the potential for skin irritation along with a serious allergic reaction. Riding your home of these insects hives can be extremely dangerous and pose a huge health threat to those allergic to their painful stings.
Fleas
Bees, yellow jackets, and hornets are a few of the insects that make up this category. When it comes to these pests, more than 500,000 are sent to the emergency each year from the health threats that they pose. These insects are aggressive and usually sting as a way to protect their colonies. Their aggressive nature combined with being disturbed lead them to sting repeatedly, adding to the potential for skin irritation along with a serious allergic reaction. Riding your home of these insects hives can be extremely dangerous and pose a huge health threat to those allergic to their painful stings.
Ants
Ants are extremely social insects, which means that when you spot one there are usually more lurking around your home. Not only are ants annoying, but they can pose serious health threats when it comes to food contamination.
Beating The Health Threats Caused by Pests
Keeping your family safe and healthy is your number one priority, and at Sigma Pest it is our number one priority as well. One thing you may not know is that pest control is one reasons for our increased life expectancy these days, making seasonal inspections even more important when it comes to your health. Your home should be your safe haven and when it is infested with pests that pose a threat to your health its hard for you to find any comfort within those four walls. With our use of integrated pest management our trained professionals will rid your home of any potential pests that are lurking around. Give us a call today so we can help you and your family stay safe from any potential health threats caused by these pesky pests.