Common Household Pests And Their Hidden Health Hazards

In the comfort of your own home, unseen dangers may be lurking, often right under your nose. This comprehensive guide sheds a light on the hidden dangers of common household pests and explains the health risks associated with them. 

Let's start with a pest that's as common as it is reviled - the cockroach. Beyond their ick factor, roaches can pose health risks. Cockroaches are most active at night and feed on all manner of organic material, including garbage and sewers. During their foraging they pick up harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella, E. coli and other germs, and bring them into your home.

Whether it's a mouse scurrying behind the fridge or a rat in the attic, rodents are always trouble. They not only damage property but are also carriers of some serious diseases. Carry diseases such as leptospirosis and typhus fever and contaminate food with their hair, droppings and urine, resulting in food poisoning and spoilage. They can also generate some pretty nasty odours. 

Termites are known as the silent destroyers, as they can cause severe structural damage to our homes. However, what is less understood is that these tiny invaders can also pose significant risks to our health. Termite infestations can worsen allergies and asthma conditions. Termites, like many insects, produce particulates, and when their droppings and carcasses break down, they create dust that can infiltrate the air in your home and trigger allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks.

Don't let their size fool you. Bed bugs can create havoc in households. Though they aren't known to spread diseases, their bites can cause severe itchiness and discomfort. In some cases, these bites can lead to allergic reactions or secondary infections from scratching. 

While most household spiders are harmless, certain Sunshine Coast species like the Mouse Spider, Redback Spider and Funnel Web Spider can be very dangerous to humans and pets. Their bites, though rare, can cause severe pain, localised sweating, muscular weakness and even paralysis. If you are bitten by any of these species, call and ambulance immediately. 

Ticks may be small, but they can spread all sorts of nasty bacteria causing Rickettsial infections including Flinders Island spotted fever, Queensland tick typhus, allergic reactions, paralysis and mammalian meat allergy. The Australian paralysis tick is particularly dangerous to children and pets and can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), paralysis and even death. 

Fleas are known for infesting pets, but they can also cause problems for humans. Since fleas use a wide range of hosts, diseases can be transferred from one host to another. They can transmit tapeworm larvae which is a big risk to your pets while their bites can also lead to allergic reactions, causing discomfort and itchiness.

Are you ready to reclaim your Sunshine Coast home from unwanted visitors? Suncoast Termite & Pest is here to help! We offer pest inspections, eco-friendly termite barriers, as well as general pest control for cockroaches, ants, rodents, spiders and more. With our professional pest control services, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from a safe and pest-free home. Contact us today!