5 Pests That Might Make You Sick

No one likes to share their home with pests, but sometimes they are inevitable. While most pests are just a nuisance, some of them can actually make you sick.

Here are five of the most common household pests that might make you sick and what you can do to get rid of them.

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. While they are not known to transmit disease, they can cause a number of health problems, including skin rashes, allergies, and insomnia.

Bed bugs are most active at night, and they tend to hide in mattresses, bed frames, and headboards.

Signs of a bed bug infestation include small blood stains on sheets and pillowcases, dark spots on mattresses and upholstered furniture, and a sweet, musty odor. If you suspect that you have a bed bug problem, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.

With prompt treatment, bed bugs can be eradicated before they cause serious harm.

Mice and rats are more than just a nuisance – they can also pose a serious health risk to humans. These pests are known to carry a variety of diseases, including Salmonella, Hantavirus, and Leptospirosis.

They can also trigger asthma attacks and allergies. In addition, mice and rats can damage property by chewing through electrical wiring and insulation.

If you suspect you have a mouse or rat infestation, there are several signs to look for, including droppings, gnawed food packaging, and footprints.

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent the spread of disease and protect your property. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective traps and baits that can help get rid of these pests for good.

Though cockroaches are often considered little more than a nuisance, these pests can actually pose a serious health risk.

Cockroaches are known to spread diseases like Salmonella and E. coli, and their droppings can trigger asthma attacks in sensitized individuals. Additionally, cockroaches are known to bite, and their bites can sometimes become infected. If you suspect that you have a cockroach infestation, there are a few telltale signs to look out for.

Cockroaches are most active at night, so if you spot one during the day, it’s a good indication that there are many more hiding in your home. You may also notice small brown droppings or a musty smell.

Termites are a serious pest problem that can not only damage your home, but also make you sick. These tiny insects feed on wood, and if they infest your home, they can cause extensive damage.

In addition to causing structural damage, termites can also contaminate food and spread disease. If you suspect you have a termite problem, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away.

There are a few signs of a termite infestation that you should be aware of, including: wood that is cracked or hollow sounding when tapped, piles of wood shavings or sawdust, and wings near doors or windows.

Although they are often seen as benevolent creatures, birds can actually pose a serious health risk to humans. Their droppings can contain harmful bacteria that can cause a number of diseases, including salmonella and encephalitis.

In addition, birds often build their nests in attics and other enclosed spaces, where they can contaminate insulation and create an unsafe environment for humans. If you suspect that you have a bird infestation, there are a few key signs to look for.

Dead birds or bird droppings are usually the first sign of an infestation, followed by noise coming from the attic or walls. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately to avoid potential health risks.

As you now know, pests can be more than just a nuisance – they can also pose a serious health risk. By carrying diseases and contaminating food, pests can cause serious illness.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent a pest infestation.

Start by keeping your home clean and clutter-free. Clutter provides shelter for pests, so get rid of any unnecessary items. In addition, make sure to seal up any cracks and crevices where pests could enter.

Another effective way to prevent pests is to use traps or bait stations. These will help to reduce the number of pests in your home without the use of harmful chemicals.

Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for early signs of an infestation, such as droppings or nests.

While most pests are more annoyance than anything else, some of them can actually make you sick. If you think you have any of these five pests in your home, the best course of action is to call a professional exterminator or pest control company right away.

Amber Bushman

Amber has been in the pest control industry for 18 years now…13 of them have been with Reliant Pest Management. She is a licensed certified commercial applicator in the state of Texas. Amber’s background is mostly in office management and administration, but she enjoys going out in the field from time to time and serving customers by protecting their homes. Amber loves people and bugs and pest management has them both!