How Can Pests Affect My Health?

Pests are small animals and insects that are capable of harming human health, wreaking havoc on homes and buildings and damaging crops and stored food supplies. Just about all pests can bite or sting, including bed bugs, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, rats, snakes and others. Some destroy food or fabric, some destroy wood and all are pesky to people. They also pose a serious health concern. Many pests can cause varying levels of harm to humans, including allergies, asthma, upper respiratory problems and physical pain, as well as transmitting diseases, viruses and bacteria.

There’s no doubt that pests can affect health in Alaska. You can be exposed to pests whether inside or outside, which is why you need to be in the know. Here’s a review of the most common types of pests and their negative impact on your health.

Rodents

Rats and mice might seem cute, with their giant eyes and squishy bodies, but the wild ones are way more primal than domestic. All uninvited rodents inside your home should be perceived as a serious health risk, as they are known to carry dozens of different diseases. There are many ways they spread diseases like the Hantavirus and plague, mainly through biting, people inhaling pathogens from urine and droppings and contaminating food and water supplies.

Bed bugs

Although bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, it’s possible for them to cause allergic reactions in some people through their bites. On top of that, they are nasty, invasive and can make you itchy. Scratch the bug bites and the opening can become infected and invite germs inside the wound. Bed bugs are also bad for mental health, as their presence and bite marks can lead sufferers to develop depression, insomnia, stress, anxiety, social isolation and other mental conditions.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are creepy and unpleasant, and above all, they can be a serious health risk. These critters multiply quickly, so a few roaches can turn into an infestation in a matter of days. They regularly shed their skin and leave urine and droppings everywhere they go, all of which fester into airborne allergens. These unhealthy particles can cause allergic reactions in sensitive groups, especially young children and the elderly. Cockroaches are agile pests that are capable of squeezing in through tiny cracks, vents and drains. Once inside a home, they tend to contaminate countertops, cabinets and other surfaces with pathogens and bacteria.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying—when they bite, they can transmit disease. The types of mosquito-borne illnesses vary depending on where you live in the world. Some areas are prone to the Zika virus, while others see reported cases of West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The most serious illnesses include encephalitis (the inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord). These diseases and illnesses can be fatal.

It’s a bit unnerving how pests can spread harmful diseases in Alaska, but don’t let them hold you prisoner in your own home. Call the professionals at Pied Piper Pest Control for help!

Categorised in: Pest Prevention

This post was written by Writer