Pests are a common problem that everyone deals with at some point in life. Whether you’re being harassed by roaches, mice, ants, or another bug, it’s vital to address the problem. Having pests in your home is more than just annoying, or gross. Allowing a pest infestation to continue can seriously affect your health. Children and pets can especially be affected by a pest problem.

Pests Carry Diseases

Firstly, you may already realize that many pests bite. Some bites, like those from a mosquito, may simply be classified as bothersome. However, you should realize that while bug bites seem harmless, they may be carrying various diseases.

In the Northeastern U.S., for example, many of us have been taught to be cautious of mosquitos carrying West Nile. Most recently, you’ll remember the Zika virus, which was spread by mosquito bites. While state and federal regulations try to eradicate diseases spread by pests, don’t forget that people all over the world (including the U.S.) sustain things like deadly malaria from mosquito bites. If you have a lawn, you likely try to keep it tick-free, as ticks can cause lyme disease.

Other than transmitting diseases into the blood, many bug bites cause painful allergic reactions. Bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, spiders and other insects have venom - though typically mild, you’ll encounter uncomfortable itching, redness, swelling, and in some cases, you may have to see a doctor for medication to lessen the reaction.

Mice and rats are tiny mammals that live just about anywhere, which means they can bring various bacteria and germs into the house. Mice have been known to carry fleas, which they can spread to pets and even humans. Rats have always had a reputation as plague-causers, which is accurate to this day. Rats are also known to carry hantavirus, a deadly respiratory disease, rat-bite fever, a bacterial infection, and even salmonella.

Other Dangers of Pest Infestations

Aside from bites and diseases, the simple presence of pests in your home may carry serious consequences. The presence of mice, rats, bed bugs, roaches, lice, fleas and a number of other insects means the presence of excrement, discarded skin/shells, fur, and other allergens. These tiny particles then circulate through the air, causing everything from allergic coughing to asthma attacks.

Rodents and cockroaches are known to contaminate food without people even realizing it. In their nightly searches for sustenance, they’re likely to crawl all over your counters and any open foods. They may even chew through containers and leave their excrement all over your edibles. Mice actually dribble tiny amounts of urine everywhere as they scamper, spreading disease wherever they go.

Finally, these critters often live inside your walls, pipes, and other dark, damp areas. They often chew through insulation, walls, and even wires. Pests cause millions of dollars in damage throughout the U.S. every year - and it’s thought that mice, rats, and squirrels are behind many unexplained house fires.

Effective Extermination for Pest Problems

When you’ve got an infestation, store-bought insecticides are often not enough. The only way to thoroughly treat and eradicate an infestation is with an experienced exterminator who can remove all the living pests, their eggs, and their nests. Contact Spence’s Pest Control for the best results. We service the surrounding areas so a pest management professional can come out to you quickly for a free inspection. Our exterminators will get the job done so you can enjoy lasting results. Don’t put your health at risk over a pest problem - we have over 40 years of experience dealing with infestations of all kinds - and we can help you, too!