No one wants pests in their home due to the possible discomfort and damage they bring. But many pests can carry harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. They can spread these diseases to people and pets. St Louis is home to different species of pests due partly to the changing seasons and urban areas. So, it is important to know which ones pose health risks and how to protect your home and family. An experienced exterminator in St. Louis has dealt with different types of pests in the area and knows how to eliminate them for good.
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice can enter through small gaps in walls, floors, or foundations. Once inside, they can make themselves at home and multiply. Rodents can spread Hantavirus, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Rat-bite fever. They leave behind waste that contaminates food and surfaces. They can also carry ticks and fleas that spread other diseases.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches usually hide in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They can move through trash, drains, and sewer areas before crawling across your countertops and food. Cockroaches can spread Salmonella, E. coli, and allergens that trigger asthma and allergies. They carry bacteria on their legs and bodies. Their droppings and shed skin can worsen respiratory problems, especially in children. In the humid summer months, cockroach activity in St. Louis tends to increase.
Ticks
Ticks are often found in wooded areas, grassy fields, and backyards. These tiny pests attach themselves to people or pets and feed on blood, sometimes for days at a time. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Tularemia. Many people don’t feel a tick bite at first, so they might not notice it until symptoms show up. That is why checking yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors is a good habit, especially during spring and summer.
Mosquitoes
In warm and wet conditions like those in St. Louis during the summer, mosquito populations can grow fast. Diseases spread by mosquitoes include West Nile virus, Zika virus, Encephalitis, and Dengue. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which can collect in birdbaths, clogged gutters, and bottle caps. You can stay safe by reducing mosquito breeding spots around your home.
Fleas
Fleas can bite both animals and humans. The infestation can grow quickly in homes where fleas go unnoticed. Fleas can transmit Tapeworms, Typhus, and Cat scratch disease. They can also lead to serious allergic reactions in pets and people. Removing fleas often takes a combination of cleaning, vacuuming, and pest control treatments. This is because they hide in hard-to-reach areas.
Flies
Houseflies, drain flies, and fruit flies can spread bacteria and viruses by landing on your food or surfaces. Flies often breed in garbage, pet waste, or rotting food. They can quickly transfer germs from dirty areas into your home. Flies may spread Shigella, Salmonella, Cholera, and Dysentery. You can reduce the risk by keeping your kitchen clean and taking out the trash. Also, consider using window screens to keep flies out.
If you see of any of these pests in your home, it might be time to call a professional. Pointe Pest Control offers expert services to help identify and eliminate pests that carry disease. They use effective methods tailored to each pest and home type.Pointe Pest Control also offers prevention tips, regular inspections, and follow-up care to keep your home pest-free year-round.
Pests can invade any property, no matter how clean or well-maintained. Regularly inspecting your home and sealing cracks can keep pests out. Also, it can help to keep outdoor areas tidy. Pair these habits with help from Pointe Pest Control to create a strong defense against pests and the diseases they carry.