Monday, November 9, 2020

Why Having a Pest Infestation on Your Property Could Threaten Your Health

There are so many reasons you don't want pests on your property. Many, like mice and rats, are happy to chew through things like electrical cables, causing all kinds of damage. If they're in your walls or attic, you'll be able to hear them moving around at night. And, of course, there's the fact they'll leave droppings in your home. What you really need to know is how these pests can be a threat to your health. Here are all the details, so you can stay informed.


Infection and Disease

One of the most important things you need to be wary of is infection. Many different pests are able to infect you with lots of different diseases that are potentially deadly. Mice, rats, and other rodents are well known for this. Diseases rodents carry include salmonella, Hantavirus, and more. If they're in your kitchen walking around on your countertops, then you may be in trouble.

It's not just rodents that spread disease, though. You'll also see that cockroaches are able to make you ill. They are well-known carriers of E. coli, as well as salmonella. If there are ticks or fleas in your home, they can carry Lyme disease and fevers, which have the potential to make you very ill.

Usually, these diseases are picked up from where the pests have come from. This could be from traveling in pipes or sewers or looking in garbage cans for food. It's vital you keep pests out, so they can't transmit these illnesses to you. Click here for more information on diseases pests can cause.

Allergens

There are many people out there that are allergic to all kinds of animals, and unfortunately, that includes pests. If there is someone in your home that is allergic to things like dander, then you'll need to be vigilant about pest control. 

Termites are well known for spreading dust around your home. With your ventilation system, this gets spread further, aggravating allergies. 

Mouse droppings and dander are both able to trigger allergies in people. This usually happens when you inhale particles that have been aerosolized or spread in the air. This triggers the body's immune system and that allergic reaction. 

One pest you may not have considered is dust mites. They're able to trigger major allergic reactions through their droppings, as well as leaving the air dry. They eat dead skin cells and absorb water in the air, leading to this dryness. 

Cockroaches are a major allergen trigger. They can trigger allergies even if they're dead, thanks to their cadavers and saliva. Their droppings are also known to trigger allergies. Because of this, it's important to clear all cadavers out if you've dealt with a cockroach infestation. 

Remember that you don't need to come into direct contact with a pest in order to suffer allergies. Their allergens are easily spread by your HVAC system, or even through the walls. That’s why it’s important to find a professional for help like those at Wildlife X Team Tulsa. 

Bites and Stings 

Finally, a pest may cause an allergic reaction by biting or stinging you. The most obvious stingers are pests like wasps and hornets. If they make their home somewhere on your property, they're going to be a danger to anyone who has an allergy. 

You'll also see that bed bugs can cause allergic reactions. They'll often bite you at night, leaving painful red sores. If you find you have bed bugs, you'll need to have them eliminated as soon as possible. 

Spiders are also well known for biting humans. Their bites are either harmless or poisonous, depending on the species. If you have been bitten, identify the spider so you can check if the bite will need medical treatment. 

Keeping Pests Out 

You don't want to have to deal with any of these issues, so the best thing to do is keep the pests out. There are several ways you can prevent infestations. Seal up any garbage cans or food containers on your property, so pests can't get into them. Also, seal up any cracks in your exterior, as they can get through the smallest of gaps. Also, keep your home as clean and tidy as possible to clear away potential food sources or shelter. 

Pests are able to cause you harm in several different ways. There's no need to worry though if you work to prevent them.