Keller Real Estate - the taylormade team specialize in luxury home sales in Keller Texas.

Home News Home and Garden Pests and your health

Pests and your health

(NC)—Insects and rodents play a vital role in the environment. But that doesn't mean that they should be welcome in your home. In addition to "bugging" you, some pests can be hazardous to one's health, from inflicting painful bites or stings to transmitting diseases that could be life-threatening. According to Orkin Canada, several pest-related diseases can pose a public health concern, so it's important that homeowners identify and protect themselves from the most dangerous pests in and around their homes, including: • Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance at outings and picnics – they are one of North America's most dangerous pests. Some species can transmit malaria, yellow and dengue fever and West Nile virus. Serious symptoms of West Nile can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, paralysis or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). • Rodents. The most common rodents in Canada are the Norway rat, the roof rat, the house mouse and the deer mouse. The deer mouse is a known carrier of Hantavirus, which can cause flu-like symptoms. Rodents also can carry Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus, or LCMV, a viral infectious disease that can cause encephalitis and/or inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. • Ticks. An adult tick has eight legs and is smaller than a sunflower seed. Ticks can transmit diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, relapsing fever, tularemia and Lyme disease. In Canada, two different ticks, the western blacklegged tick and the blacklegged tick (or deer tick), can transmit Lyme disease. The western blacklegged tick inhabits British Columbia, and the blacklegged tick can be found throughout the rest of Canada. "While some pests cause disease, others are responsible for causing severe allergic reactions in humans and even death through bites or stings," says Orkin Director of Quality Assurance Zia Siddiqi, Ph.D. "Yellow jackets, hornets and some spiders are prime examples of the most dangerous pests that do not transmit disease." To help prevent these unwanted pests in homes, caulk seals on doors, windows and ceiling cracks and clean thoroughly and frequently. Most importantly, contact a pest control professional for effective treatment. More information is available online at www.orkincanada.ca or toll-free at 1-800-800 ORKIN. Credit: www.newscanada.com

 

< Prev		Next >