Pests and rodents can have harmful effects upon the health of your
employees and patrons. It is important to fully understand the
dangers stemming from these types of infestations. Did you know
that some of the most common pests in businesses are rodents,
cockroaches, and ants? It is unsettling to think of us sharing
our businesses with these pests because of the serious threats they
pose. Below is a more detailed overview of the health risks
associated with particular pests.
Rodents
Rodents can enter a business through almost any opening or crack.
It is important to inspect for rodent droppings, especially in
undisturbed areas such as pantries, under baseboards, in attics and
along walls. Rodent droppings most often cause allergic reactions
in human beings but can also cause disease, including the
potentially deadly Hantavirus. More frequently, though, rodents
serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their
bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces and
equipment. Arrow's trained service professional can offer the
expertise and knowledge of rodent biology to best protect your
health and rid your business of a rodent infestation.
Cockroaches
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
reports that one-in-five children in the United States have severe
sensitivities to cockroach allergens, which increase the severity
of asthma symptoms. These allergens are most commonly introduced in
businesses through cockroach saliva, droppings and the decomposing
bodies of these pests. Cockroaches can also carry bacteria such as
E coli and salmonella on their bodies, which can contaminate food,
cooking equipment and food surfaces.
Ants
Ants are social insects. Therefore, spotting one ant unfortunately
signifies there are many more to follow. Ants are not simply
unsightly - they can also be dangerous contaminates to food. The
presence of ants and the potential for food contamination from
their presence is an issue that must be addressed when considering
your health and the health of your employees and customers.
Mosquitoes
With the increased prevalence of West Nile Virus in the summer
months, mosquitoes continue to be, not only a summer nuisance pest
but also, a major health threat. According to the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC), West Nile Virus infections have appeared
across the United States in recent years, which makes avoiding
mosquito nesting/breeding sites and eliminating standing water in
or around your business even more important to the protection of
public health. In addition, to the potential for West Nile Virus,
mosquitoes can also cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe
allergic reactions in human beings.
Stinging Insects (Yellow Jackets, Wasps, Hornets &
More)
Stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency
room each year. These pests are aggressive in nature and often
sting as a way to protect their colonies or larvae from human
beings who attempt to remedy an infestation on their own. This
aggressiveness, combined with being disturbed, often means that
these pests tend to sting repeatedly, which adds to the potential
for greater skin irritation or a serious allergic reaction. An
Arrow Service Professional can provide a level of expertise and
knowledge of technology that can best rid these stinging insects
and prevents future infestations.
Fire Ants
Fire ants not only affect outdoor enjoyment, they are
responsible for countless emergency room visits every year.
Controlling these voracious pests takes special care and expertise.
If you have fire ants present on your property, you can trust Arrow
Exterminators to provide a solution that will safeguard your
business.
Fleas
Fleas aren't just a problem for man's best friend. These pests,
which commonly appear in warmer months, feed on the blood of any
warm-blooded body. Typically biting human beings, fleas can cause
itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions. Fleas
tend to travel with mammals on the move, which can include not only
you but also rodents. If you have a rodent problem in your
business, fleas may be soon to follow. If you suspect a flea
infestation, contact an Arrow licensed Service Professional to rid
your property of fleas and to prevent future infestations.
Ticks
Lyme disease has emerged, in recent years, as a major health risk
to human beings. Transmitted by ticks, typically between May and
October, lyme disease is largely found in the Northeastern, upper
mid-western Western states of the U.S. However, there has been an
increase in the diagnosed cases of lyme disease in the South. It is
critical to be vigilant of ticks, especially if you are in wooded
areas. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a "bull's eye" rash around
the bite, flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.