The effects of pests on human health

Pests are unwanted intruders in our homes for multiple reasons; they smell, they make people uncomfortable (or scared even), and they cause damage to property. Above all these, they pose a direct threat to our health. Pests are known for contaminating surfaces and spreading disease, some of which can be fatal. Many people can also suffer serious allergic reactions to pests, or their pre-existing health conditions may be aggravated. As experts in pest control, your health and safety is paramount to us. Here’s our guide to the effects of pests on human health. 

Spread of disease

Pests spread diseases due to the fact that they urinate, drop faecal matter, and shed skin/fur around your home. While many pests are culpable, rodents are particularly notorious. They tend to contaminate areas where food is either stored or prepared, making it more likely that we’ll ingest something we should. For example, mice almost constantly dribble urine, meaning if they’ve entered your home, it’s almost certain that urine has been left behind. Rodents have been known to spread as many as 35 different diseases, some of which include salmonella, meningitis, Weil’s disease (leptospirosis), and Lyme disease – all of which can be fatal. 

Allergic reactions

Many people are allergic to pests; simply being in close proximity to them can trigger a person’s allergic reactions. That being said, people are most likely to suffer from an allergic reaction if they are bitten or stung by a pest. For instance, bed bugs don’t pass diseases to humans, but they bite humans and feed on our blood. Some people may have an allergic reaction to being bitten and break out in a rash. Scratching these bites or failing to treat them correctly may also cause them to become infected. 

Similarly, it goes without saying that bees and wasps carry the threat of stinging you. In severe cases, a bee or wasp sting can cause anaphylactic shock, which you can read more about here. 

Pre-existing health conditions

Pests can also irritate symptoms of a pre-existing health condition. For example, people suffering from asthma can be greatly affected by cockroaches. Cockroaches breed at an alarming rate, meaning that once a few gain access to your home, it won’t be long until you have a full infestation. Cockroaches regularly shed their skin and leave droppings, and these break down and become airborne particles. Due to their numbers, these airborne particles can aggravate people with breathing conditions. In some cases, cockroaches can cause asthma in young children if there is sustained exposure and a history of asthma in the family. 

Mental health

It may sound unusual, and it’s not often spoken about, but pests can have detrimental effects on our mental health. Following a bed bug infestation, some people suffer from insomnia and anxiety for many months after the problem is treated. Not to mention the stress from discovering a pest infestation and potentially needing extensive work done to remedy the problem. Similarly, those with phobias of particular pests can suffer greatly if they discover such pests in their home and subsequently suffer from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The points made in this article stress the effects of pests on human health is dramatic, which is why pest control is so important. It’s necessary for the sake of your health, both physical and mental, to call a professional pest controller as soon as you see signs that you have a pest problem. The sooner action is taken, the quicker the problem can be resolved and the damaged caused can be controlled. Here at Inoculand, we have over a decade’s experience in providing pest control to London, and our heat treatment service is second to none. We’re so confident in the procedure that we offer a 100% eradication guarantee. Get in touch with us for more information on 020 3405 5000.