What Health Threats do Pests Pose?

Pests can be very damaging to your home. They can chew through wires, gnaw on furniture, infest wood, and generally be unsettling to live amongst. But did you know they can also pose a serious threat to your health? Understanding the health threats that pest infestations can cause is very important. Cockroaches, rodents, fleas, and stinging insects are some of the most common pests found in and around homes. It is chilling to think that you might be sharing your personal space with these pests, despite the health dangers they present. Below is a detailed run-through of the health risks associated with specific pests.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are always looking for food and water, and they can usually find it. If you have roaches in your home, it doesn’t mean your home is dirty. They could have gotten in through cracks and crevices in your home, through openings around doors and windows, or even hitched a ride in on bags or luggage. But you can minimize their presence by sealing up any gaps, keeping kitchen surfaces and floors free of food and grease, and stopping any plumbing leaks. According to WebMD, “As cockroaches move around your house, they shed their body parts and excrete feces and saliva. When these substances get into the air they have the same effect as dust mites in your house. They may trigger asthma or allergies when you inhale them.” Cockroach allergies can cause chronic symptoms last longer than seasonal allergies. Some of the symptoms include:

• Rashes
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Sinus Infection
• Ear Infection
• Wheezing

Cockroaches will travel around your home at night and in dark areas. They can contaminate surfaces where food is prepped, cooking utensils, and any food that they can access. This contamination can lead to health risks like food poisoning and other infections.

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Rodents

If you have small gaps in your home, rats and mice can easily find their way through them. Mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime.  You might not notice, but they will leave droppings in isolated areas such as under baseboards, floor cracks, or along the back walls of a house. Mice and rats can contaminate your food and food preparation areas with their urine, feces, hair, and saliva. They are also vectors for tick, lice, and fleas. If you’ve seen their droppings in your home, chances are you’ve already got a rodent issue. Some of the diseases that mice and rats can carry include:

• Hantavirus
• Leptospirosis
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV)
• Tularemia
• Salmonella
• Plague

Fleas

Flea bites are irritating and itchy. Scratching them can cause open wounds that are susceptible to infection. If you have ever dealt with fleas then you understand they are definitely a nuisance. Not only are they a nuisance, they can be very difficult to get rid of. Flea bites can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. They can also spread typhus, plague, and tapeworms when they feed on animals like rats and then transfer bacteria to a human.

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Stinging Insects

The National Pest Management Association reports that stinging insects send over 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. People allergic to stings are most at risk, but anyone can be affected if they’re swarmed and stung by a large number of stinging insects at once. Colonies can contain thousands of wasps that will aggressively defend their nest from intruders. They also scavenge for human food at barbecues, campsites, fairs, and other outdoor activities this time of year. Yellowjackets are easily provoked and can sting multiple times. They will even chase their target for large distances.

The Modern Solution

Your home should be your sanctuary, and you shouldn’t have to share it with disease-causing pests. If you suspect you have a pest infestation, call Modern Pest right away. It’s always easier to alleviate an issue before it gets worse. Modern’s HomeCare Green program protects against over 50 common household pests, including mice, rats, stinging insects, and cockroaches. Call Modern today at (800) 323-7378 for more information or to schedule service.

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