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Thoughts of pest problems probably bring up feelings of dread, annoyance or even disgust. However, it’s highly unlikely that you feel afraid. We just don’t take pests all that seriously – I mean, just look at how we refer to them; as “pests.” Things that literally “bug” us and get on our nerves.
But maybe you should be a little bit afraid of pest problems. I don’t want to alarm you, but there are definitely some dangerous consequences associated with certain pest infestations. Even though serious illness or injury as a result of pest problems isn’t that common, it’s absolutely possible; especially if you’re reckless when dealing with the pest infestation.
First: The pests you shouldn’t worry too much about
Let’s start with the pests you shouldn’t be concerned with. Ants and spiders are generally harmless. The common household ant can bite you, but it probably won’t hurt, and they aren’t known to carry any diseases. And although there are certainly a few dangerous types of spiders (like the black widow or brown recluse), your chances of encountering them are small. Plus, as long as you avoid direct contact with one of these spiders or their webs, you’ll be completely fine.
Almost no one dies from spider bites anymore – when an Alabama boy tragically died from a brown recluse bite last December, The Huntsville Times reported that it was the first recorded brown recluse death since 2004. You’re actually more likely to be struck by lightning.
So which pests should you be concerned with?
I bet you can guess, just by which common pests we declined to mention above. Cockroaches, rodents and mosquitoes are the Valley’s most dangerous pests, for various reasons.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are filthy creatures that I wish didn’t even exist. They’re lousy with diseases, having been implicated in the passage of 33 different types of bacteria, several pathogens and general icky-ness. Additionally, some folks are allergic to cockroaches and the allergens they produce, which can wreak havoc on your sinuses.
Rodents: Rats and mice have been carrying disease for centuries, and they can still give you ailments such as Hantavirus, Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis and Hemorrhagic Fever. Those diseases might sound made up, but I promise you they are very real and very frightening.
Mosquitoes: When it comes to these flying parasites, there’s one main reason to be concerned: West Nile Virus. I know you’ve heard the name, but you may not be familiar with its effects. 80 percent of infected hosts will never experience symptoms, and 99 percent will never experience life-threatening or even serious symptoms. However, for that unlucky 1 percent, it’s possible to develop serious neurological conditions that are life-threatening. Avoid the risk altogether by spraying a little Off! on you the next time you leave the house around dusk.
