Health Risks of Common Pests

Pest control is important not only for the beauty of your home but also for the safety of your family members. Certain pests can spread illnesses that can be quite harmful. To better understand how to safeguard your family, you need to understand the threats.



Pests can endanger your health in many ways. This can range from a minor bug bite to the transmission of fatal infectious diseases. Because of this, you must maintain a pest-free environment in your home. Read on to find out the health risks posed by common household pests.

Mosquitoes have needle-like mouths that can spread deadly illnesses, such as the Dengue virus. The disease manifests like the common flu but damages the immune system in the process.



Mosquitoes also spread the West Nile Virus. This disease causes flu-like clinical manifestations as well as rashes. The West Nile Virus can also cause fatal infections such as meningoencephalitis and meningitis. Also, mosquitoes can aid in the transmission of malaria, yellow fever, and elephantiasis.

The cockroach is both an allergy source and an asthmatic trigger. Cockroaches are also known to spread a variety of bacteria and viruses. They have the potential to spread diseases like typhoid fever, polio, and dysentery.



Furthermore, most cockroaches emit a foul stench. Understandably, some people may experience psychological discomfort from the mere sight of cockroaches. Although cockroaches don't bite, their thick leg spines can scratch.

Rats may offer a serious hazard to homeowners through their bite, urine, and fecal matter — all of which spread bacteria and viruses that can cause infections in human bodies. These infections often have deadly consequences. Leptospirosis is one of the infections that rats may spread. Leptospirosis can damage the body's immunological system.

Fleas are the major disease vectors that spread bubonic plague and murine typhus. Additionally, certain rodent tapeworm species that infect humans use fleas as carriers. Fleas could also act as intermediate hosts for canine filarial worms. The most serious flea-related illness in the United States is the bubonic plague.

Flies are some of the most recognized pests in the globe due to the threats they may pose towards the human body. Flies' physical makeup makes them unintentional carriers. The reason for the transmission of germs is the hairs on their legs. Trachoma is one of the illnesses that flies may transmit. Additionally, flies help spread parasite eggs that may proliferate inside the human body.

Dust mites consume dead skin cells and so live in places where they are present, such as fabrics and rugs. Dust mite feces can provoke asthma episodes when inhaled. Some people react allergically to them. They develop rashes and stuffy noses. Furthermore, dust mite exposure can induce asthma in kids who are prone to it.

Lice are microscopic parasites that may infest your hair and body. Lice can make the host feel physically unwell. Also, they can cause skin irritations and pruritus.



Additionally, body lice can spread many diseases. These diseases include epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. The head louse does not spread any recognized infections. Whatever the situation, you need to act right away due to the distress they bring as they wreak havoc on your mind.

We recommend that you address an infestation as soon as you see the first indications of it, as infestations often become worse with time. The worse they become, the greater the risk they represent to your health. As a result, it is always ideal and easier to treat an infestation when it is still minor rather than wait until it has grown out of control.



The best way to maintain your home free of pests and the associated health risks is to schedule routine checkups from a pest control specialist. Please get in touch with our office if you're worried about a pest issue. A member of our knowledgeable staff will help you set up a free in-home examination.