How Pests Can Affect Your Health
Pests and rodents can have harmful effects upon your health and
your family's health. 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 homes are cockroaches,
rodents and ants? It is unsettling to think of us sharing our homes
with these pests because of the serious threats they pose. Below is
a more detailed overview of the health risks associated with
particular pests.
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
homes 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.
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 the home 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.
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 family.
Fire Ants
Fire ants not only affect your 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 family
and pets.
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.
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.
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 and your pet but also rodents. If you have a
rodent problem in your home, fleas may be soon to follow. If you
suspect a flea infestation, contact an Arrow licensed Service
Professional to rid your home of fleas and to prevent future
infestations.
Rodents
Rodents can enter a home 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 home of a rodent infestation.