Even the best housekeeper in the world can find themselves infested with household pests. Trash piled up outside the home, a messy neighbor or even you, your children and your pets can unwittingly carry pests inside your home. Many of these pests can cause health problems, so the situation should be taken care of right away.
1. Fleas
Even though fleas most often find their way into your home by way of your pets, they aren’t particular about their hosts and will happily jump on the human inhabitants of the home to dine on their blood. In no time at all, you can get a full-blown infestation. If you walk barefoot on your carpet and feel your ankles start to itch, then you can be sure your carpet is infested with fleas. They will take over your bed and furniture quickly. Many people develop an extreme sensitivity to flea bites and will scratch themselves bad enough to cause wounds. It is extremely important you take your pets to the vet to have the fleas removed, then keep them on a monthly preventive medication. Flea bomb your home when no one is home, or call an exterminator, like those at Pest Control Modesto, if the problem is completely out of hand.
2. Cockroaches
Nothing will raise the hair on the back of your neck like turning on a light in the middle of the night and seeing those nasty cockroaches racing all around your home or pouring your cereal in the morning only to have cockroaches come spilling out. These bugs get into your food and can spread diseases such as salmonella everywhere they walk. They are also a well-known trigger for allergies and asthma, and that is most prevalent in children, the elderly and those with lung problems. Seal off any holes or cracks in your walls where they can get in, never leave food out, keep your trashcan lid closed and keep the cockroach spray on hand. Have a professional come help get rid of the roaches. After that make sure that you never go to bed leaving any spills or dirty dishes in the sink.
3. Bedbugs
The simple act of staying in a hotel overnight can lead to an infestation of bedbugs in your home. They will latch on to you, your clothing, your children and your luggage and make themselves comfortable in your home. In no time at all, your bed, furniture and children’s stuffed toys can be become completely infested. They bite a lot, and you may find yourself covered with itchy, red bites all over your body. When you develop an allergic skin reaction to these bites, you may find it difficult not to scratch yourself to the point of causing an open wound that can become easily infected. You will definitely want to see your doctor. Bedbugs are often difficult to get rid of, so look for an exterminator with some expertise in this area.
4. Mice
If you see a single mouse in your home, then you can count on there being dozens or even hundreds more unseen. They breed quickly, and can take over your home before you know what has happened. Mice carry a variety of viral and bacterial diseases that can infect you if you come in contact with their urine or droppings or even breathe in the dust that has been contaminated by these things. You can also become infected if you are bitten or scratched. Health hazards include hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic chorio-meningitis, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. Many of these can be potentially fatal. Get to the doctor right away if you become ill and know you have been in contact with mice.
If you suspect you or your children have become ill due to a bite, scratch or contamination from household pests, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor. It’s very important the problem is treated as soon as possible to minimize the effects. You also need to hire an exterminator or take whatever means necessary to rid your home of these dangerous household pests.