We all know how unpredictable this world is. As parents, we all worry about the safety of our kids. We all want to be protective of our kids once they set out to the real world, and though it is not possible, we can hope that the lessons we impart to them will be put to good use.
That being said, the dangers faced by our children are not only found outside, but dangers also lurk even inside our homes, where we think it safe. We are talking about pests, pests that carry diseases. We all encounter pests in our homes at some point, and will probably have them in the future if we are not careful and vigilant. Some pests can be just a nuisance, like moths, weevils, ants, termites, and centipedes. They bring considerable damage to our properties and ruin our days with their presence alone.
Then there are high health risk pests, pests that bring diseases and can cause deaths worldwide. These pests include mosquitoes, cockroaches, mice, and even bed bugs.
What Are These Dangerous Pests?
Pest control starts with knowing how to identify these pests. The best pest experts in Greenville SC, Go-Forth Home Services, would like you to know each one of them and how to control these pests from infesting your homes. Below are the pests that can transmit diseases, and the kinds of diseases they carry:
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are not actually transmitting diseases the way mosquitoes and cockroaches do but are considered high health risks by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Bed bugs are small, brownish parasitic insects that suck human and animal blood for food. They are oval in shape and are the size of an apple seed but do swell after feeding. Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures and they bite when we are all asleep.
When bed bugs bite, you will have red marks on your skin that appear to be in a straight line on your skin. When we sleep, we do not immediately feel their bites because they excrete a tiny bit of anesthesia while they bite, but these develop into itchy welts eventually.
Another reason why they are a very high health risk is that bed bugs can cause sleeplessness and anxiety. Obviously, we would not be able to sleep well, knowing that bed bugs may bite at times.
To treat bed bugs, wash your bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest setting. Using a vacuum cleaner, vacuum your bed and surrounding areas frequently. Once done, empty your vacuum cleaner into a bag, seal the bag, and dispose of it properly. Seal off cracks to prevent them from entering through these cracks.
Mosquitoes
Believe it or not, these tiny creatures that buzz near your ears are the most dangerous creatures on the planet. They do not look like much - they look too small to deserve such notoriety - but the fact is that they have caused more deaths worldwide than all of the wars in history. They can also be such a nuisance when they buzz around your ears and bite when you sleep. No doubt, mosquitoes do not get any love from humans.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
Why are they so dangerous? Here are some of the reasons why they are the most fearsome creatures on earth:
- Malaria - This is a disease that affects both humans and animals. Symptoms begin after 8 to 25 days of infection and may include fever, chills, and flu. In the United States, there are 1,700 cases of malaria each year. The female Anopheles mosquitoes are the source of malaria.
- Dengue - This is a disease that is caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms are felt after 3 to 14 days of infection and include high fever, severe headache, and joint, muscle, or bone pains. Scientists are still looking for a vaccine to help prevent its spread, but so far there are no vaccines for dengue yet. If left untreated, it can result in death. Dengue is spread by the female Aedes species
- Zika Virus - Many people who have the virus will feel no symptoms. For those who do have symptoms, there would be fever, rashes, headaches, joint pain, and red eyes. These symptoms could last for several days but are not fatal. Sexual transmission is also possible for the Zika virus, and only through mosquito bites can these be contracted. There is no vaccine for Zika. This disease is spread by the Aedes species. They are active the whole day.
- West Nile Virus - This is the most common cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. Most people will show no signs, and would not get sick. Those with severe symptoms have a high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss, tremors, disorientation, and paralysis. Ten percent of those with severe symptoms die.
- Chikungunya Virus - Symptoms are fever, joint pains, headache, muscle pain, and rashes. This is an infection that is caused by the chikungunya virus and transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoes.
Mosquito control is the best form of protection against these diseases. To get rid of them, make sure to remove any standing water in and around your home. Female mosquitoes like to breed around stagnant water that has been around for at least one week. Remove things that can hold water, like old cans, old tires, water containers, and other similar items.
As much as possible, wear long sleeves and long pants when going out. For added protection, use an EPA-registered insect repellent and look for one with the ingredient DEET for added protection.
Use mosquito nets in your bedroom while you sleep. Mosquitoes can home in on their next host by detecting body odor, or the carbon dioxide we exhale. It is easy to detect when we are sleeping because we are in just one place. A mosquito net will then be able to protect us from these mosquitoes. You can also keep a mosquito swatter handy. Though admittedly this will not eradicate mosquitoes entirely, it will at least diminish their presence.
Cockroaches
When it comes to filth, nothing beats the cockroaches. Cockroaches are the most reviled insects on earth. They eat anything from trash, fecal matter, rotting food, dead animals, and even their own kind. Bacteria and viruses then stick to their legs, making them a carriers of the diseases; when they crawl on human food, that is when diseases spread. Cockroaches are known to cause the following illnesses:
Cholera - This disease affects both children and adults. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingestion of contaminated food and water. Most people will not show symptoms, but some do. Those who do have symptoms have watery diarrhea which can lead to death when untreated.
Food Poisoning - This is another illness caused by ingesting contaminated food and drinks, which results in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pains, and fever.
Indoor Allergens - Cockroaches are also sources of indoor allergens. Exposure to allergens can lead to asthma.
The best way to remove the risks of getting these diseases is to get rid of cockroaches. To avoid cockroach infestation, remove their food source. Throw away your trash regularly, because they love to eat garbage. Store food in sealed containers to prevent cockroaches from crawling on it and contaminating them.
After eating, do not leave your dishes and other kitchen utensils on the sink overnight. This will definitely attract cockroaches and contaminate your dishes and utensils.
Seal cracks and crevices so that the cockroaches will not have potential entry points. Fix leaking pipes and other sources of moisture.
You may also use traps. Traps are also effective ways to reduce their population. To maximize it, place the trap in places where they always forage for food. Place them at the corners of the room, or near your kitchen utensils, dishes, and under furniture.
If these DIYs are not enough, then it is time to call the pest experts in Greenville SC, Go-Forth Home Services.
The Best Pest Exterminator in Greenville Since 1959
Go-Forth Home Services has excellent experience not only in cockroach and mosquito extermination but in other pest exterminations as well. Pests like mosquitoes, termites, ants, wasps, weevils, bed bugs, mice, and moths have proved no match to them. Go-Forth has a team of highly skilled and well-trained technicians who utilize only the latest and most advanced technology in the business today. These technicians can also evaluate your homes and offices on the type of service that is best for you. They use family-friendly and pet-friendly methods of extermination, so you are assured of your family’s safety. They also offer same-day service and discounts for regular service agreements.
Go-Forth Home Services is a family-owned business that has earned the trust of residents and businesses in Greenville for more than 50 years. To set an appointment, or if you have any questions, just dial (877) 274-1475. Our friendly operators are standing by.