How Neglecting Pest Control Can Negatively Impact Your Health

Ignoring your pest problem will come back to bite you. Despite their size, insects have a bigger impact on your life than you think. Neglecting an infestation can have huge effects on your health and the well-being of your family. We took a look at some of the issues that may arise if you don’t stomp out pests early.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

There have been more than 500 Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome related deaths since the 90s, and the majority of these cases were related to contact with rodents. A bite for a mouse can lead to direct transmission, but the condition can contact isn’t necessary for infection. Inhaling fumes from rat feces or urine, and coming into contact with items contaminated by mice can also cause infection. Children are more vulnerable to contracting the HPS than adults.

Leptospirosis

Many pests carry Leptospirosis, including rodents, raccoons, and other animals both wild and tamed. It only takes brief contact for individuals to be exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms include headaches, sweating, fever, chills, diarrhea or rashes. In some cases no symptoms arise, however, if left untreated, kidney damage, meningitis, respiratory issues, or liver failure can occur.

West Nile Virus

Mosquitos most commonly transmit West Nile Virus, and the condition can in some cases be fatal. All it takes is one bite from a mosquito carrying the virus. There are no medications to treat the virus and no vaccine to prevent infections. The easiest way to protect yourself is using mosquito misting treatments that keep mosquitos away from your property. Cases of West Nile have been reported in almost every state. Seasonal outbreaks typically occur during the peak of mosquito season year to year. The weather, number of mosquitos, number of birds carrying the virus and human behavior are factors that influence outbreaks.