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Last Updated on October 17, 2022
We often think about rodents and bugs as a nuisance and do not think about the health implications of their infestations in our homes. About 37% of Americans have reported seeing a rodent roaming around their home, according to Pest World. With this statistic in mind, here are three potential health threats that rodents and pests bring into your home.
Hantavirus and Rodents
Hantavirus is a serious virus that can be passed from rodents to humans via rodent urine. The rodent does not have to urinate on you for you to be exposed. When rodents enter your home, they will typically urinate and defecate around your home. As the urine dries it releases chemicals that can contain Hantavirus. Humans breathe it in and get sick. This can be a very serious disease that can put anyone in your home’s health at risk.
Rodent droppings can also contain Salmonellosis, which can cause symptoms similar to food poisoning. Fleas, ticks, and disease that are spread by these insects often find their way into homes via a rodent.
Roaches
Roaches can be a health threat. Roaches eat trash and muddle through some very germ-filled areas, then track all those germs through your home and near your food supply. They have been linked to salmonella spread. About one of every 20 Google searches is related to a health question, according to Statista. If you are googling the cause of your gastroenteritis, you may be able to save yourself some research time by looking around for evidence of roaches in your home. Keep in mind that people can be allergic to roaches. They have known allergens for some people.
Vectors
Pests of all kinds are vectors of disease. For example, the Zika virus outbreak was linked to mosquitos. The mosquito was the vector (transmitter) of this serious disease that affected the health of unborn children and caused birth defects in children. Mosquitos have been the vectors of other serious diseases like the West Nile Virus.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, the tiniest little insect, are vectors for allergens. According to the CDC, about 80-90% of the dust in your home is dust mite waste. If you have allergies, dust mites make them worse. There are plenty of health risks that come from pests and rodents, and some are more serious than others.
What Can You Do to Reduce These Health Risks?
There is only one solution to reducing the health risks from pests and rodents in your home: get rid of them! Eradication of pests and rodents in your home is the only way to ensure that your family stays safe. DIY pest control is an option, but it is not the best option because it comes with some health risks.
Over-the-counter pest control can be ineffective and dangerous to use. The better option is to connect with a trusted pest control company that uses safe, effective approaches to remove pests and rodents and ensure they do not return. The right company will have a complete plan for getting rid of the pests and rodents and keep them from coming back. They will know how to address the root cause of the problem.
Learn more about the real dangers of pest and rodent infestation and the steps you need to take to keep your family safe. Get the help you need today to reduce the risk of serious health consequences!
