Any organism whose characteristics are harmful or unwanted by humans is regarded as a pest. When do you think of pests? Is it when you see cobwebs around the corners of your house, or when you observe rats in your garage? The fact is, each pest has a unique number of health risks associated with it.
Aside from being an unwanted sight and nuisance, you can never underestimate the extent to which pests can pose a threat to your health and well-being.
While some pests transmit diseases by stinging and biting, others are capable of conveying harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, and parasites through their feeding, waste droppings, and breeding habits.
Once these pests are present in your house, you will unavoidably have contact with them or their waste droppings, urine, or saliva, and this could subsequently lead to diseases, some of which could be life-threatening.
It is on record that about 25 million European lives were lost during the late middle ages to fleas alone.
In this article, you will discover some specific health dangers and challenges posed by bugs, rodents, and termites to humans.
Health Dangers of Rodents to Humans
During winter, there is a possibility that you are always concerned about the flu and cold. However, there is something you should be more concerned about during this period. It is rodent’s infestation which could be of higher health risk to you. During winter, rodents invade as many as 21 million houses in the United States.
Rodents such as rats and mice seek warmth, food, and shelter indoors during colder months. They find their ways into your homes through cracks and crevices. Once they are inside, rodents are not only capable of destroying your property, but also they can spread diseases such as:
A) Hantavirus:
Hantavirus is a life-threatening disease that can easily be transmitted to humans. When you come in contact with or inhale rodents saliva, urine or droppings, you can contract this disease.
B) Rat-Bite Fever:
Rat-Bite Fever is another potentially fatal and highly infectious disease that could be contracted through infected rodents or the consumption of food contaminated by rodents.
C) Bubonic Plague:
This plague, reputed to have killed millions could be creeping easily around your home. All that is required is the presence of rodents and fleas. Once the insects land on rodents and get infected, they can easily infect humans when the flea bites.
D) Salmonellosis:
Salmonellosis is nothing but a type of food poisoning that is spread easily by rodents feces. It is done primarily through the consumption of food contaminated by rat droppings and urine.
E) Tularemia:
Tularemia is commonly found in rodents, rabbits, and hares. It is transferred to humans by an infected deer fly bite or tick bite. It can also be transmitted through handling of animals that are infected.
Health Dangers of Bedbugs to Humans
You must be familiar with the common saying, “goodnight, sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite.” You may regard bedbugs as being harmless, but they can cause health issues.
Some of the notable health cases caused by bedbugs are:
A) Allergic Reactions:
You can have from mild to severe reactions after being bitten by bed bugs. In some cases, similar to bee stings, you could even require medical attention.
B) Insomnia:
Being nocturnal, bed bugs wait till you sleep before unleashing themselves fully. While their bites are not painful, they can irritate, and you can wake up in the middle of the night to scratch the affected area.
If this persists, it could lead to loss of sleep, which can eventually lead to a variety of health challenges like anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, and even having difficulty focusing.
C) Infection:
It can occur when a bug bites a person, and he/she scratches the wound until germs find their way into the injury which can, in the long run, lead to illnesses.
Health Dangers of Termites to Humans
Termites, as we all know, are famous for being able to turn a beautiful home into a heap of dust within a few years. Termites are not generally known to be dangerous to humans, but can be harmful to humans in the following ways:
A) They can Bite and Sting:
If threatened or handled, a soldier termite can bite and sting. The bite is not fatal, but it can itch, swell, burn, and can be painful, especially to people with allergic reactions.
B) They Can Affect The Air Quality & Indoor Health Environment:
Termites nests in the house can release particles and clouds of dust, which can spread about through heating and air-conditioning systems. Termites saliva and droppings have also been confirmed as having disease-causing bacteria and microorganisms.
These contaminants can be specially highly irritating to those who have asthma or allergies. They are also capable of causing allergic reactions in sensitized individuals or those with compromised immune systems.
C) They Facilitate the Breeding of Mold Spores:
Termites enjoy a damp, humid environment. Molds also tend to grow in a similar situation. As termites chew through wood, they spread mold in the process. Mold is a fungus that generates spores. As spores buildup in your indoor air and thru the walls, they can be proficient in creating health problems when inhaled. Mold spores can cause weaknesses, migraine headaches, coughs, sore throats, burning eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms.
Conclusion
Every now and then, various types of pests can plague both residential and commercial areas. Some of these pests are more rampant than others, especially at a particular period of the year.
Your home will occasionally be invaded by different types of pests, no matter how careful you are. Adding to the problems of pests are the modern building techniques like using breeze blocks, stud partitioning, and primary service voids.
Often, these are perfect breeding spaces for pests, making it extremely difficult to be insulated from pests.
If you desire an environment that is clean, healthy for you and your family, and free from the menace of pests, you must strive to eliminate all types of pests from your environment at all cost.
If you’re seeing signs of bugs, rodents, or termites in your home or office, don’t let another day pass by without much needed protection. Active Termite and Pest Control, Inc offers extensive knowledge when it comes to eliminating all types of pest from your property.
Call us at 1-877-577-3787 for additional details and to get started with a free inspection and estimate.
Since you mentioned that termite nests can release dust into my home that can be harmful to my health, this might be the reason why I’m having asthma attacks in my home again. I’ve noticed that there was a termite population in my home two months ago, but I never paid much attention to it until they started gnawing on the inside of my windows. I think it’s time I call someone to control their population before my pieces of furniture become their next victim.
Wow, I never knew that termites could be the reason for mold formation in a house. Now that I think about it, ever since the rains have stopped, we’ve been noticing a small number of bugs skitter around our walls. We’ve done a good job at keeping the house pest-free until this point, so to make sure these bugs don’t cause any structural damage or generate any mold, I’ll look for any pest control services that can help us get rid of them permanently.
I was really alarmed when you talked about the air quality dangers that termites can bring you. I’ve always wondered if there was more to look out for when you suffer from termites, and this is definitely a problem I cannot afford since most of my relatives have respiratory problems. I’ll make sure I get a pest control expert on the job right away so we can have this dealt with immediately.