Pests are a nuisance and pose serious health risks to people. Also, they can damage the structures of your home. As a homeowner, you need to learn more about the dangers of pests, so you take prompt action whenever you encounter them. Also, you should when it’s time to contact a pest control expert to help you address an ongoing pest infestation on your property.
How a Pest Infestation Can Affect Your Health
A pest infestation can cause different health issues, which can range from minor irritations to severe illnesses. Below are the health risks related to pest infestations:
- Asthma. Pests such as roaches and rodents can worsen the symptoms of asthma and cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma.
- Allergies. Dust mites, rodents, and roaches can trigger allergic reactions in people. Symptoms can include itchy eyes, sneezing, and respiratory issues.
- Bites and stings. Fleas, mosquitoes, and bed bites bite humans and cause itchy, painful welts. Sometimes, such bites allow for the transmission of diseases.
- Disease transmission. Insects and rodents can carry and transmit different diseases to people. Lyme disease, hantavirus, and salmonella are often transmitted by pests.
- Poisoning. The poison that spiders and scorpions can emit can lead to severe harm or fatalities in people.
The health risks associated with pests tend to increase as they continuously breed and infest your house. Also, they pests can contaminate your food supply and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens.
How to Know You Have an Ongoing Infestation?
It’s important to identify signs of a pest infestation, so you can address it before pests can cause further issues. The specific signs to watch out for depend on the kind of pests you have in your house. But generally, these include the presence of gnaw marks, droppings, unusual smells, nesting materials, dead bugs, visible insects, and night-time noises. If you think that your home is infested with pests, contact a pest control professional immediately. The professional can eliminate a current infestation and help you avoid future infestations.
Kinds of Diseases that Pests Transmit
Pests like rodents and insects can spread diseases to people. If they breed and infest your house, there is an increased risk for infection, possibly resulting in severe health issues. Thankfully, understanding the risks related to pest infestations will allow you to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Pests can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Hantavirus, West Nile virus, Rat-bite Fever, and Salmonella. Such diseases can be carried by rats, mice, ants, termites, roaches, or mosquitoes. Professional exterminators will get rid of pests, protecting your family from diseases. Proper sanitation practices and regular pest control are your keys to safeguarding your loved ones against pests and the health threats they pose.
How Pests Can Cause Structural Damage
Pests can cause serious structural damage to houses. Such damage can lead to costly repairs or replacements or even safety concerns.
- Damage to wiring. Termites and rodents chew through electrical wiring. This can cause power outages and start fires.
- Insulation damage. Insects and rodents can damage your home’s insulation, minimizing its effectiveness and resulting in higher energy bills.
- Wood damage. Termites can damage your home’s wooden structures, compromising its structural integrity.
- Plumbing damage. Rats and mice can chew through pipes and cause leaks or water damage. Such water damage can result in mold growth.
