
Pests can be challenging and unpleasant to deal with, but their presence can cause a lot more than an annoyance. They can also bring a variety of health problems to occupants of a home or business, from minor issues to serious illnesses. Check out these most common health risks that are associated with pest infestations in Phoenix, AZ and elsewhere.
Health Risks Associated with Pests
- Allergies: Pests such as cockroaches, rodents, and dust mites can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and even respiratory problems.
- Asthma: Pests like rodents and cockroaches can worsen asthma symptoms, making it harder for those with asthma to breathe.
- Poisoning: Some pests, such as scorpions and spiders, may be poisonous, causing serious harm or death in humans.
- Bites and Stings: Pests such as fleas, mosquitoes, and bed bugs can bite humans and cause painful, itchy welts while even transmitting diseases.
- Disease Transmission: Pests such as insects and rodents carry and transmit diseases, including salmonella, Lyme disease, and hantavirus.
The health risks of pest infestations tend to increase the longer they are allowed to breed and spread throughout your house. Along the way, they can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria that can lead to diseases ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Signs of a Pest Infestation
- Droppings: Rodent or insect feces indicate an infestation.
- Gnaw Marks: Chewed items or damaged wires are a sign of rodent activity.
- Nocturnal Noises: Rodents may be active behind the scenes if you hear scratching or scurrying sounds at night.
- Unusual Smells: Musty or pungent odors are a sign of a hidden infestation.
- Nesting Material: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric can reveal rodent nesting areas.
- Dead Bugs: Insect carcasses near windowsills or light fixtures can mean an infestation.
- Visible Insects: Live or dead insects, such as cockroaches or ants, can imply a growing problem.
Types of Diseases Pests Can Transmit
Pests such as insects, rodents, and other common household pests often spread diseases to humans. Some of the diseases these common pests carry include:
- Lyme Disease: Transmitted by ticks, causing rash, fever, and fatigue.
- West Nile Virus: Spread by mosquitoes, this virus can cause flu-like symptoms and may even be fatal in rare cases.
- Hantavirus: Transmitted by rodents, causing flu-like symptoms and even death.
- Salmonella: Carried by rodents and insects, causing food poisoning and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Rat-bite Fever: Transmitted by rodents, causing rash, fever, and muscle pain.
A professional exterminator in Phoenix can quickly eliminate these pests and more to safeguard your family against harmful diseases.
Common Pests That Carry Disease
Common disease-carrying pests include:
- Rats
- Ants
- Mice
- Termites
- Mosquitos
- Cockroaches
Proper sanitation practices, along with regular pest control services, can protect you and your family from the risk of pest-borne diseases.
Contact Frontino Pest Co.
Our exterminators in Phoenix can help eliminate these disease-carrying threats so you can be assured of a safe and healthy living environment. Contact us at 602-338-9223 to schedule a free quote and inspection on pest control services in Phoenix and Mesa.