Who among you experienced pest infestations during important family events? Disruptive isn’t it? Especially when your house is filled with icky pests such as roaches and mice, it could be the downfall of your event. You can’t eat anything that has been contaminated by these pests, or else you and your guests could contract several diseases. If an infestation occurs, either you change the venue or change the food. Sometimes, you should do both. If you don’t, it will affect your reputation as the host.
These are not the only pests that could infest your surroundings and limit your event. Before hosting a huge party, you need to ensure that pests will not be causing trouble. One way to do so is hiring an exterminator days before the event. This way, they can eliminate the root causes of infestations and get rid of these pesky creatures for good.
To learn more about the different pest species and the nuisance they bring, here are the five most notorious insects that can infest homes.
Bed Bugs
These are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on human blood. Their activities can cause several skin ailments like acute dermatitis. Almost every victim has no clue that they are being fed on by bed bugs. Even if they see bloodstains on the sheets and bite marks on the skin, they readily assume that they are targeted by fleas or mosquitoes.
If you apply the wrong interventions for prevention and elimination, it could cause interior damage. Plus, it could lead to chemical-related illnesses. Can you imagine if your guests stayed in a room infested by these creatures? They could contract allergies and skin infections because of bed bugs.
That’s not all!
These pesky insects can transmit Chagas disease which affects more than eight million a year. According to recent statistics, Chagas disease is more common in Latin America than it was first recognized. However, because of the continuous and uncontrolled migration, it started to infest other countries worldwide. Experts have shown that the disease can kill more than 50,000 a year. This is why we shouldn’t take bed bug infestations for granted to avoid the risk of contracting the disease.
Ants
Another pest that can grow in your Thanksgiving or Christmas event is the ant. These creatures may be small, but they are cunning and intelligent. They will do anything to protect their queen and their colony. The ant is a great example of winter pests. This is not because of their ability to withstand the cold temperature. It’s the opposite.
Before the first frost of winter comes, they should have found a stable shelter to outlive the season. This is the reason why you can see them crawling on your walls and floors during late autumn to prepare themselves for the incoming cold.
Many people believe that ants are harmless. Little do they know the illnesses and damages they can bring. Experts have listed the ten most dangerous ant species in the world. Most of them thrive in the United States. If this doesn't convince you to prevent infestations, let’s take a look at some of the most disturbing ant species and the dangers they bring to human beings.
The Bulldog Ant
This is by far the most dangerous ant species and the whole world. This is a very aggressive creature that uses its strong jaws to pierce the skin and inject venom. According to studies, one sting from the Bulldog Ant means death to a regular-sized adult within 15 minutes.
Be careful if you see these ants in your garden. If you do, never engage unprepared. Call for local Raleigh and Wake Forest exterminators to get there as fast as possible to eliminate the threat.
Siafu Ant
This is commonly known in the United States as the Army Ant. They were first exclusive in Africa but because of migration, they are able to populate other countries. This ant species does not build its own nest. Rather, it swarms insects and other animals to take their habitats and rest until they regain full strength. When they do, they move along, swarming and battling every living thing on their path.
Fire Ant
Many of you have heard about this species. You see them roam around the garden, foraging as much food as they can to keep their colony alive. These creatures are very protective. So, if anybody tries to disturb their peace, they will not hesitate to attack. When they do, they do it with full-force. If I were you, I would steer clear from these creatures. Their sting is excruciating and it will cause swollen bumps with pus.
Bullet Ant
This creature is common in the United States, particularly in South America. The bullet ant is also known as the 24-hour ant because the pain that it inflicts lasts more or less a day. Its sting is as painful as a gun wound. Can you believe being stung by something so tiny could lead to mind-numbing pain? This is one of the worst ants to deal with. It causes discomfort, leaving you paralyzed to work for 24 hours. If you want a productive day, never get in contact with a bullet ant!
Rats
Rats are one of the most damaging pests that can infest households. Apart from this damage, they also cause several illnesses that could be fatal to humans if not treated properly. If your house or surrounding is infested by rodents, you are at risk of contracting these following illnesses:
Bubonic plague
The Bubonic Plague is the deadliest pandemic. It is way more fatal than the Coronavirus. This killed hundreds of millions of people in Europe and Asia in the 14th century. This is not just caused by the excrements from rats but also the fleas that feed on their blood. Once these fleas bite human beings, they can contract the disease.
This is the reason why the pandemic spread so quickly. They couldn’t contain the infestation of rat fleas. Plus, they could not secure their home from pests. We are lucky to be acquainted with some of the methods for pest control. At least, we can limit the risk to a minimum.
Leptospirosis
Otherwise known as the Weil’s disease can be contracted by human beings through contact with contaminated water, soil, and food. Various animals carry the Leptospira bacteria and the most common species to transmit the illness is the rat.
Experts dissuade people from walking on wet canals and puddles with bare feet, especially if the skin has wounds, lesions, and cracks. The bacteria can enter the body through these cuts and cause an infection. It can lead to meningitis, liver damage, including kidney failure.
If you suspect rats roaming around, do not get in contact with possibly contaminated soil or water. If possible, contact a pest control professional immediately to take care of the problem.
Hantavirus
This is yet another deadly disease caused by rodents. It can be contracted by humans through the accidental ingestion of contaminated urine, excrement, and shedding. There are also cases when the Hantavirus is acquired through the bite of an infected rat.
Amidst the ongoing pandemic, there is a man from China in his mid-30s who died from the illness. This caused panic to nearby cities fearing that it could lead to another global problem. However, experts clarified that Hantavirus is not transmitted from one person to another. It can only be contracted through exposure to contaminated excrements of rodents.
Salmonellosis
There is one of the most common illnesses brought by rats in the household. When rodents access stored food and contaminate them, people could catch the disease when they eat it. The symptoms of salmonellosis include but are not limited to the following: stomach ache, nausea, headaches, dehydration, and lethargy. Thankfully, most victims recover within seven days without the need for hospitalization. However, to children and the elderly who have weaker immune systems, they might need the attention of medical professionals. If not, it could lead to complications.
Now, do you see how damaging and dangerous pests are in the household?
Call NC's Most Trusted Pest Exterminators Since 1959
If you don’t want your family or your guests to catch any of these diseases, prevent pest infestations before they occur. One way to do so is choosing the best Raleigh and Wake Forest exterminators if you are in North Carolina. Before hosting any event, be sure that your home is not infested by any pest. Or else, it could lead to several complications and mishaps.
If you’re worried about the price, there is a pest control company near you that offers reliable, competent, and affordable services. With their help, they can eliminate all kinds of pest infestations and prevent them from coming back. Pest control professionals know the habits of each insect. They use this knowledge to pinpoint the main source and eliminate it for good. The best part is, they use environmentally-friendly products for pest management. So, you don’t have to worry about residues settling down on your water and food sources. For as low as $30.00 a month, you can have the pest-free life you deserve only at Go-Forth Home Services.