Many types of diseases spread by common pests don’t affect everyone, everywhere. But, since some of these insect pests, like mosquitoes and ticks, are incredibly dangerous for human health, it’s worthwhile to learn what you’re up against.
Once you know the hazard these insect pests pose to your family’s health, you can call experts like Safer Nature to deal with infestations. This simple action helps protect you and your loved ones from what could be a lifetime of illness and low quality of life.
While we all hope it never happens to you or us, it’s also better to take preventive action than deal with the health problem afterward.
Common Insect Pests and Their Diseases
Our customers are often amazed to realize that common household pests spread multiple pathogens to people and pets. Because of this zoonotic characteristic that enables the transfer of diseases between hosts and people, it is critical to know how to safeguard your environment.
Here are a few examples of common pests and the diseases they can transmit to you and your family.
1. Ants
Ants are among the most underestimated but impressively hardworking insects, with over 22,000 species. They live on all continents except Antarctica; most countries have native species. The U.S. has about 790 ant species, the most common being the carpenter, the odorous house, and the pavement ant.
Besides destroying home structures, wooden frames, drywalling, and electric wiring, ants also carry diseases. They spread diseases through their saliva, eliminations, bites, and by contaminating food sources.
Contact through these means can directly or indirectly spread diseases to people and other animals. If ants spread diseases to pets, these pets also threaten their owners’ health.
Some ant bacteria and diseases are the following:
- Salmonella
- E. Coli
- Strep
- Shigella
- Clostridium
- Other Fungi
- Anthrax
- Dengue Fever
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
As harmless as these tiny creatures may seem, it’s best to quickly sort out ant infestations inside and outside the home to avoid unwanted consequences.
2. Bed Bugs
The good news is that bed bugs don’t carry or spread diseases. At least, that’s what scientists always used to think. Now, they know better. Bed bugs can cause Chagas disease by acquiring and spreading the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite between hosts.
Even if bed bugs aren’t infected, they’re still incredibly creepy pests. They can cause skin irritations from bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections, and anemia. Other than that, they’re harmless but will still cause significant psychological and physical distress for most people.
Choose the healthy pest control option to get rid of bed bugs quickly so you can sleep peacefully again.
3. Cockroaches
There are many cockroach species, but the most significant pests in the U.S. are the American, German, Oriental, and Brown-banded cockroaches. The next question is whether they spread disease, and the answer is yes, they do. Cockroaches are known carriers of
- Cockroach Allergens
- Typhoid Fever
- Cholera
- Poliomyelitis
- Dysentery
- Leprosy
- Salmonella
Cockroaches walk over and through everything. In the process, they collect many pathogens, bacteria, and viruses, which they then spread to our crockery, cutlery, food supplies, and other items.
4. Dust Mites
Fortunately, dust mites don’t carry diseases. The biggest risk you face from these tiny creatures is that infestations can make breathing difficult. This respiratory aspect is most problematic for anyone with asthma and similar breathing problems. Alternatively, dust mites can cause respiratory and allergen issues like the following:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic organisms that live on pet dander and in the dust in homes. Your best bet is to keep the house clean to avoid infections from these creatures.
5. Fleas
Fleas are nasty little critters that spread disease and parasites in animals and people. Some examples of these infections include:
- Parasites like tapeworms
- Bubonic plague
- Typhus fever
- Murine typhus
- Cat scratch disease
- Tularemia
- Tungiasis (sand fleas)
Fleas spread diseases and parasites through bites, poop, and the general dirt they create. Safer Nature has the expertise and the means to deal with fleas and other infestations to restore hygienic conditions to your environment quickly. This process means you and your pets regain a peaceful, healthy lifestyle.
6. Ticks
Another common pest in the environment is the tick. Ticks may look harmless, but they are vectors of many diseases. Some of the infections they spread can be quickly dealt with.
But the problem is that tick bite infections may go unnoticed for years, which is part of what makes them so destructive. Because of this delay, they are challenging to diagnose and treat. If you have a problem with ticks on your property, you should learn about deadly tick diseases and how to manage them with various pest control techniques.
7. Mosquitoes
These insects are annoying at best, preventing a peaceful sleep or interfering with your enjoyment of the outdoors. At worst, mosquitoes also carry dangerous diseases.
Those affecting Massachusetts citizens include the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Besides these diseases, mosquitoes are vectors of the Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse virus, Zika virus, Dengue fever, Yellow fever, Chikungunya, malaria, and others.
Your best way to restore a peaceful indoor and outdoor environment is to seek professional help. Safer Nature pest control provides that help, keeping you safe from mosquito diseases.
Non-Disease Carrying Insects
Other groups of insects and arachnids don’t carry diseases but are toxic. You can learn more about spider and stinging insect infestations and how to manage them at Small Pests – Big Pest Problems.
Wildlife Problems
Another pest problem that plagues many homeowners is wildlife invasions. Any manner of wildlife can invade your home and build nests in your roof, walls, ceilings, or garden. As with disease-carrying and toxic insects, you need expert help to remove wildlife pests for their and your safety humanely.
Control Your Environment With Safer Nature
From the relatively harmless to the highly lethal – insects can carry infectious diseases that will ruin your health. Your best course of action is to call Safer Nature Pest Control to support you through the ordeal of a common insect pest infestation.
We will advise you on the best action to protect your home and health. Call us at (978) 325-1325 for a quote today. Or send us an online email, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We will provide ongoing protection from pests to safeguard your health using organic or traditional pest control methods.
