9 Common Pests and the Diseases and Illnesses They Can Cause

If the thought of bugs scurrying around your home makes your skin crawl, you aren’t alone. Although you may hate to think about it, some of those unwanted pests could be lurking around your home right now. Yuck!

Although many pests are harmless, others carry a variety of diseases and can cause some serious damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to know if you have a pest infestation and to call in the professionals if you do.

Take a look at 9 of the most common pests and the illnesses they spread.

1. The Dreaded Cockroach

Cockroaches are gross, and no one wants to see these nasty little creatures running around their home. Cockroaches have an amazing ability to adapt and survive just about anywhere.

These dirty bugs harbor bacteria and carry a host of potential health problems such as dysentery, roundworm, tapeworm, fungus, and viruses. 

They are attracted to any type of food, and they’re searching for it day and night. That includes crumbs on your floors and countertops, dirty dishes, household trash, or anything else they can find.

If you notice a cockroach in your home, that’s a good indication you have many more lurking about. To know for sure, call an exterminator for an inspection right away.

2. Ant Infestation 

We want ants to stay outside, but that’s not always the case. If you see a few ants in your home, they may be finding food for a few thousand of their friends. 

They are one of the most common pests, but you definitely don’t want them crawling around your home. Although they’re not known as disease carriers, they do crawl through bacteria and can bring these disease-causing organisms across your floors, carpet, and other surfaces.

Some ants bite with a powerful sting, and some people have serious allergies to ant bites. If you think you may have an ant infestation, your best solution is to call a pest control expert to assess the situation.

3. Bed Bugs

You may only think about bed bugs when you’re staying in a hotel, but bed bugs could be living in your home, ready to bite you as you sleep.

Most people don’t check for bed bugs. They only realize there’s a problem when they wake up with red bites every morning. And these bites can lead to an infection, especially if you experience multiple bites over time.

Bed bugs hide until it’s dark. Then, they come out for a blood meal. Signs of bedbugs include a strange odor, blood spots on your sheets, fecal matter, and shredded skins.

If you think bed bugs have invaded your home, contact a pest control service to check for them and rid your home of these annoying biters.

4. Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes may be small, but they are one of the most dangerous insects on Earth. They can harbor diseases such as malaria, West Nile, Zika, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). 

They love warm, humid temperatures and water. They can lay their eggs in a small amount of water, so you want to avoid leaving any standing water around your yard. 

If mosquitoes are buzzing around your property, there is something you can do. Contact a professional exterminator to learn about the latest options in mosquito control.

5. Termite Solutions

Termites are excellent at hiding. In fact, you could have extensive damage before you realize there’s a problem.

These pests thrive in moist hiding spots. Their number one goal is to eat through your home, destroying it as they go. 

They can wreak havoc on your home, furnishings, walls, and property. The average colony contains more than 60,000 termites whose sole purpose is to feed on wood 24 hours a day.

Although they don’t typically carry disease, they leave behind a sawdust-like substance, called frass, which can lead to dermatitis and other allergic reactions.

Our termite experts can rid your home of termites and help you prevent an infestation in the future.

6. No More Spiders

No one wants spiders in or around their home. But with over 3,700 North American species, they are a common nuisance for home-owners.

Although spiders don’t carry disease, some varieties do bite and can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. The fear of spiders is a common phobia, and homeowners are often in a hurry to get rid of these pests.

If you’ve noticed spiders in or around your home, have no fear! An expert pest control service can guarantee complete removal of these creepy crawlers.

7. Flee Fleas

For anyone with pets in the home, fleas are a common annoyance. Fleas will bite anyone in their path, including, you, your children, and your other pets. 

Fleas carry serious potential diseases, including Lyme Disease, Typhus, cat scratch disease, and others. You do not want them in your home, and it’s important to keep your pets as flea-free as possible.

Speak with a pest control expert to learn what they can do to help keep your home free from the dangers of biting fleas.

8. House Flies

The common housefly isn’t as innocent as you might think. Flies carry pathogens that cause E. coli, cholera, typhoid fever, shigellosis, and more.

You do not want flies buzzing about your home. Spotting a few flies can indicate a dead animal like a mouse or rat behind your walls. This attracts flies who come in to lay their eggs in the decaying matter.

If you are noticing flies around your home, you need more than a swatter. Call in the professionals to assess the situation right away.

9. Mice and Rats

Of all the dreaded pests people hate to see in their homes, mice, and rats have to be at the top of the list. They are terrifying to the average homeowner and spread diseases such as hantavirus, rat-bite fever, and more.

Rodent urine and feces contain bacteria that can make you very sick. If you’ve seen one mouse or rat in your home, you may have many others hidden away somewhere.

Don’t risk your family’s health. Contact a pest control expert who knows how to rid your home of these dangerous pests.

Get Rid of Common Pests

Everyone experiences dealing with common pests at some point. The key is to identify the problem early and call in the experts for help. 

Unwanted house pests can wreak havoc on your home and spread bacteria and a variety of diseases as well.

Keep your family safe from unwanted pests. Contact our pest control experts today for help.