Pests and the Diseases They Spread
Although not all pests spread deadly diseases, many do carry diseases that increase the risk of illness when left unchecked. Some insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, can pose a hazard to humans if they carry infectious diseases. They puncture the skin and can transfer diseases very easily. Other pests, such as rats, roaches, and flies, can carry diseases due to their unhygienic habits. However, the deadliest pests are out there in the Chicago area, and it is wise to know what threats we face. Especially for families with young children, elderly parents, or others in the home with weakened immune systems, a preventive pest control approach is the safest way to protect those you care for. Pest control customers rarely understand that pests in the home spread pathogens. Safeguarding your environment with low-toxicity pest control treatments is the only sure way to keep these pests from ever entering your space. Hospitals, businesses, and residents must consider the risks of unregulated pest problems and address them immediately.
Fleas and Ticks
Anyone with pets is familiar with fleas and ticks. These pests not only bite people and pets, but they can also carry diseases. Ticks burrow themselves into the skin, and an infected area may not be noticeable right away. Tick diseases can be challenging to identify, but if you live in a forest area or an area with known ticks, please be mindful of how to manage them and check your pets and skin covered with hair or fur regularly.
Fleas carry parasites and worms that can affect pets and people. Fleas can also carry Typhus fever and bubonic plague, and other dangerous diseases. If your pets are bothered by fleas, you probably have a flea problem and need to get them treated. Follow your vet’s recommendations for a regular topical or oral treatment plan. Fleas are easily treatable by a professional pest control service in the home because of highly effective and eco-friendly products that don’t pose a risk to people or pets. Ticks can be managed by staying diligent if they are in your area.
Ants are Small But Mighty
The size of ants individually is why their presence often goes unaddressed. Unless there is a string of ants or an obvious infestation, most people dismiss their presence. Keeping counters clean can help keep them free of pests, but if they are already visible, you likely need professional treatment to address the problem. The United States has just under 800 ant species. Ants can carry diseases through biting and contaminating food. A pet with an ant-borne disease can spread it to people. Some of the disease-causing ants carry salmonella, streptococci, clostridium, fungi, anthrax, and malaria. Again, the list goes on, but these are among the most well-known.
Cockroaches
These disgusting pests come out after the sun goes down; not only are they gross, but they can also make a home feel unclean and spread germs and disease wherever they touch. Cockroaches carry allergens, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and salmonella, to name a few. Cockroaches will feed on just about anything, and when they get into things that are rotten or animal excrement, they bring all that into the home or business. They pick up bacteria and viruses on their legs and spread them to whatever they touch, including counters, food, cutlery, and more.
Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus
It is important to remember that not every mosquito carries the West Nile Virus. It is also good to know that they can, and cases do occur in the area. West Nile Virus, along with other viruses, can make people very sick and often require hospitalization. There is no way to know whether an insect is carrying a virus, but because mosquitoes feed on people and pets, there is cross-contamination of blood, which is why these transfers of disease can be so harmful. Finding a pest control company that can treat the perimeter of your home and include a mosquito treatment plan is the best way to keep your family and pets safe in the beautiful outdoors of DuPage and Cook County.
Keep People and Pest Safe with Pest Control
The bottom line is that every home and business in Cook and DuPage County deserves to live a pest-free existence. Pests can be exterminated and kept away through effective pest treatment plans like those offered at Bigfoot Pest Control. Bigfoot is locally owned and operated, which makes them the most qualified to inspect, identify, and exterminate pest problems for residential and commercial needs. Families with young children, elderly family members, or anyone with a weakened immune system should strongly consider the value of eliminating pests in their environment. Many times, there are health issues related to pests that people don’t even realize.
If you suspect a pest problem, want an inspection of your home or business, or want to start an affordable, tailored pest treatment plan for indoor and outdoor pests, call Bigfoot at 847-891-8852. We are standing by, ready to help!