Having pests in your home is a problem itself, but to add to that, a pest invasion can also be a major health issue. From respiratory issues to more serious diseases, here are three health risks of having pests in your home.
Allergies and Annoyances
If you suffer from allergies or nasal issues, pests in your home can aggravate these quickly. The dead bodies and feces of roaches and other pests can emit certain proteins into the air in your home and trigger allergic reactions. Even those who don’t suffer from allergies can be affected by prolonged exposure to pest debris. Breathing in the unsanitary air for such a long time can cause major harm to your lungs. On a smaller scale, spiders, ants, and other bugs and insects can also pose health risks. The insects and bugs you find in your home are unlikely to be dangerously poisonous, but they can definitely ruin your day. Spider bites are usually the worst in terms of pain, and mosquitoes are more likely to make you sick.
Mosquitos and West Nile Virus
West Nile virus has become more common in recent years. When a mosquito that is infected with the virus and it bites a human, the disease is transferred. If you have stagnant water or leaky hoses causing puddles in your yard, you will want to take care of them before the mosquitos become overpowering. However, if you live near a creek or a pond, mosquitos will likely be present outside, and there isn’t much you can do about it. You can sometimes treat your property with substances that will help eliminate mosquitos, though. These treatments can be done quarterly and should be done by a professional. Although it may seem like a lot of work, since West Nile virus is such a serious disease, it’s important to consider it. The virus is more serious in elderly and very young people, so if you live with someone in that age range, eliminating mosquitoes is very important.
Diseases from Rodents
Your home can also become infested by rodents very quickly, no matter what type of environment you live in. Perhaps the dirtiest pests, rodents can spread diseases like Leptospirosis and Hantavirus. These diseases are typically spread through feces and urine from rodents. Hantavirus is a serious disease that causes respiratory problems, serious fevers, and even death. Leptospirosis is another serious disease that can lead to liver failure, swelling in the brain, and in the worst cases, death. These diseases are very serious, and it’s important you don’t expose yourself or your family members to them. If you begin to notice signs of rodents in your home, be sure to consult with a pest control specialist to ensure that you get rid of them as quickly as possible before they get out of hand and compromise the health of your family.
Pests in your home and garden are not only disgusting and annoying, they also pose a serious risk to you and your loved ones. If you begin to notice pests hanging around at your house, be sure to consult with a professional to ensure that you do everything you can to eliminate them as soon as possible.
