Bug Off! The Problem With Pests In Our Homes

A pest infestation is something that every homeowner dreads. And unfortunately, even the most well kept and cleanly homes can be hit by the little blighters. Tempted into our homes by warmth, shelter, and food, pests can multiply rapidly meaning a small problem can quickly become a large one. As well as being a general nuisance and unpleasant to be around, here are some of the other reasons pests cause such a problem in the home.

They Can Spread Disease

The problem with a lot of pests is they’re able to spread disease and cause serious health issues in humans. Critters such as rodents, roaches, and flies all carry bacteria that can present severe symptoms in humans. Dysentery, salmonella, and gastroenteritis are just a few illnesses that can be caused as a result of them. There are also a number of diseases that are specific to certain pests. For example, rodents can carry a virus known as hantavirus which can even cause death in humans. These kinds of diseases are why it’s so important to keep pests out of the home.

They Can Cause Expensive Damage

Rodents such as mice and rats can chew through electrical cables, resulting in massively expensive repairs. Even pests that aren’t directly harmful to health such as carpet moths and beetles are a problem. This is because they can lay larva which eats through carpets and fibers causing severe damage. They often choose dark, undisturbed areas of carpet such as under furniture. It’s not until you go to change your room around until you notice they’ve caused irreparable damage! Termites cause structural damage that’s so serious it’s thought that they alone cause up to two billion dollars damage to buildings every year. So termite control is extremely important. While you can deal with some pests yourself, it’s often better to just get an exterminator in. Otherwise, you’re dealing with toxic chemicals which can be fatal if ingested by pets and children. Plus traps and things can be messy, and not a great choice if you’re squeamish.

They Can Cause or Exacerbate Allergies

Another huge issue with pests is that they can cause respiratory problems in humans. Pests such as cockroaches and dust mites release proteins from their carcasses and droppings. This can cause an allergic reaction in people. It is particularly problematic in individuals who are vulnerable due to their age, or who already have respiratory problems. Approximately fifty million people in the US have allergies, and so that’s a lot of people who are going to be especially irritated by these kinds of issues. Dust mites in particular are difficult to completely avoid- this is why it’s recommended that mattresses, cushions and pillows that can’t be washed are thrown away and replaced every few years.

As if them being generally icky and creepy wasn’t reason enough, these are three important reasons why pests can be so harmful in our homes. Pest infestation can happen to anyone, so keep a close eye out and do what you can to prevent it. Any sign of a problem, consider calling in the professionals.

Did you know pests could be so problematic in our homes?