According to a 2012 HomeTeam Pest Defense national survey, a whopping 84% of US homeowners experienced a pest issue in the past twelve months from April 2012. Having a household pest problem can be damaging in various ways, depending on the pest you are dealing with. Numerous pests can attack homes, so it is prudent to take practical steps to prevent your house from falling victim to these animals. Below are some of the deadliest household pests to be mindful of.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are notorious, unhygienic scavengers whose presence in your home can put you and your family at significant risk of catching various diseases. These animals are among the toughest household pests to live with since they can go up to one month without food. Also, they can reportedly withstand up to 900 times their body weight beneath compression forces. Besides being sneaky, roaches are known vectors of many diseases. According to the EPA, cockroaches carry bacteria that can cause streptococcus, staphylococcus, and salmonella if deposited on food.
Additionally, they also carry intestinal diseases like typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. Furthermore, they can cause severe allergies and leave an oily and musty smell around your house, making your entire space feel dirty. Luckily, using roach spray, caulking around the home, and frequently emptying your trash are easy things you can do to keep your home roach-free.
Mosquitoes
If you have spent time outdoors during summer and spring, you have likely had the terrible experience of being bitten by a mosquito. These blood-sucking insects’ bites can lead to an allergic reaction to the insect’s saliva, causing itching and red bumps. However, malaria, dengue fever, Zika, and the West Nile virus are more severe consequences of mosquito bites you can experience. Additionally, these pests can carry diseases and parasites that your pets are susceptible to. Fortunately, you can hire mosquito control experts to treat your yard and destroy mosquito breeding habitats and cycles, so keep this in mind.
Termites
Termites are typically first on the list of pests to be mindful of as a homeowner for good reasons. These animals can cause significant damage to your property, with experts estimating that they destroy about 600,000 residential homes every year. Also, the damage that termites cause happens rather quickly, and it is often not covered by homeowners’ insurance. Consequently, it is best to call professional pest control experts to rid your home of these animals as soon as you notice signs of termite damage.
Bees
Bees are lovely winged creatures known for their honey and their role in pollination. However, bees inside your home or on your property can be dangerous to the safety of all inhabitants. Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, are highly aggressive and defensive. A group of these bees can reportedly chase a human for up to two kilometers while repetitively stinging them. Yellowjackets are also hostile and can chew through surface wood and drywall. A qualified exterminator is your best bet to get rid of bees on your property, so keep this in mind.
What types of dangerous pests have you encountered? Let us know in the comments below.
