Pests have been a nuisance to mankind since time immemorial. They harm our food grains, cause diseases in humans and pets and also lead to large scale wastage and destruction. There are significant risks of leaving certain pests uncontrolled. Uncontrolled pests have led to serious consequences, even death. However, with a proper integrated pest management approach, we can control common household pests like roaches, flies, ticks, fleas etc. Let us take a look at the main reasons why pest and rodent control is so important.
Benefits of pest and rodent control
1. Saves crops and produce from weeds, insects and other predators
Pests like flies, aphids, rodents etc. tend to damage the produce in the garden. Without pest and weed control, we would have dangerous and poisonous plants as well as harmful insects damaging our crops, stinging our kids and even causing skin allergies and rashes. With pest control, we can keep our gardens clean, safe, attractive and productive. On a grander scale, it is estimated that nearly 10% of the worlds harvested cereals are destroyed by pests. If saved, these are estimated to feed 260 million people.
2. Protects us from fleas and ticks
Rodents, possums, squirrels and other animals are often infested with ticks and fleas. These pesky bugs fall off from the animals body in your home and yard where they quickly lay hundreds of eggs. If you have pets, they could become susceptible to serious infestation from these parasites. Fleas are particularly difficult to get rid of as they multiply rapidly and quickly grow out of control. In absence of pets, they can even harm humans.
3. Control harmful bacteria
Pests like rodents, mosquitoes, flies, ticks and fleas are vectors of many diseases. A child can even die from a mosquito bite if the mosquito is carrying the deadly West Nile virus. Lyme disease caused by tick bites can led to lameness, fever and lethargy. Bartonella parasites carried by fleas can infect rodents, cats, dogs and humans. It attacks the red blood cells and quickly multiplies. It can cause many infections in the host and is even responsible for cat-scratch disease in humans. Fleas also carry tapeworms which can greatly harm human and canine health. Infections caused by rickettsia bacteria transmitted by fleas and ticks can cause Rocky Mountain Fever, tick bite fever etc. Ehrlichia bacteria transmitted by ticks can cause lethargy, weight loss, anemia and more.
4. Helps save money on repairs
Homeowners are known to have to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs to fix structural damage caused by termites, ants and roaches. With proper, timely pest and rodent control, homeowners can save the money and hassle.
5. Reduces psychological impact of pests
A dog bitten by ticks and fleas could become stressed or anemic to the point of death. Flea bite allergy dermatitis can cause intense itchiness which leads to sleeplessness, hair loss, anemia and psychological stress in pets. Bed bugs biting at night can cause severe psychological stress in humans. Sleepless nights can take a toll on your physical and emotional wellbeing and also impact productivity at work.
6. Reduces social impact of having pests
Having pests and bugs in your home can be a matter of social embarrassment to many homeowners. With pest control, you can curb the pest population and prevent this social stigma.
7. Prevents contamination of food
Rodents can lead to food poisoning and food contamination. This is a serious impact of pest infestation which can harm human and domesticated animal health. Pests also tend to pass dirt into food and transfer harmful microorganisms into it.
8. Helps you abide by the laws and regulations
Pest control is an important moral obligation every homeowner has towards the society. Pests spread diseases and are often transmitted to neighboring households. Visiting people can also carry pests like bed bugs, depositing them in trains, buses or planes. This is the main reason why big cities are facing a bed bug epidemic. In some states, it is actually a renters right to demand pest control from the landlord if there are bed bugs or other pests in their apartment. So pest control is a homeowners moral obligation to the state and, ultimately, to the nation.
Conclusion
Protect your family members from pests and rodents as they can lead to serious health complications. Today, there are many easy-to-use, medically approved and environmentally safe products, guaranteed to protect your family from pests and rodents. Pest control is an essential part of taking care of your pets. Not only are fleas and ticks uncomfortable to live with, they can also transmit diseases in humans and pets. Rodents, squirrels, skunks, raccoons and possums can easily bring fleas and ticks into your home, so if you do see signs of fleas or ticks on your pet, start treatment immediately and also include an integrated pest management program as part of the treatment.
