Bed bugs and other insect infestations are often considered annoying at worst. However, pests in your home can have a greater impact on your health than you may think. If you have an infestation growing in your home, you and your family could be in trouble.
What are some common health problems that people living with pests can experience?
Insects can cause a variety of health issues for you and your loved ones. Here are some of the health issues you may experience, as well as when to contact pest control in Phoenix, AZ.
1. Pest Bites and Stings
The most common ailment you’ll receive during an infestation is bites and stings. These bites can be painful and risk inflammation and infection over time. Itching, swelling, rashes, and soreness are common side effects of bites and stings from pests.
If you start noticing bug bites on you, then it’s time to call for pest control services in Phoenix, AZ. Contact your local pest control for help before the bites become worse.
You may also want to visit your doctor if you experience adverse reactions to the bites. In cases of severe swelling, pain, or signs of infection, visit your regular physician immediately.
2. Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions following insect bites. The reactions can range from mild to severe; regardless of your level of reaction, it’s important for you to see your doctor right away after being bitten. Allergic reactions from bug bites are caused by the insect’s saliva or bacteria entering the wound when you are bit.
Don’t risk worsening allergic reactions caused by bug bites. The more often you are bit, the worse your allergies could become. Make sure you visit your doctor and contact pest control services the moment you begin experiencing reactions to bug bites!
3. Infections
While infections caused by insect bites are rare, they can still happen. If a wound from a bug bite gets large enough or opens up when you scratch at it, bacteria and germs could get into the wound. Once there, an infection may take hold.
Pay close attention to any bug bites that stick around longer than a few days. Symptoms of an infected bite include, but are not limited to:
- Pus coming from the bite site
- Fever
- Severe pain around the bite
- Swelling or redness
- Delayed healing
Leaving an infected bug bite to fester can lead to worse illnesses later on. Make sure you visit your doctor to have any infected bites checked as soon as possible. Then, contact Phoenix, AZ pest control services to get rid of your infestation.
4. Vector-Borne Illnesses
Mosquitos, bed bugs, and even flies are harbingers of vector-borne illnesses. If a bug bites someone with one of those illnesses, then bites you, the blood from the other individual could enter your bloodstream, giving you the same illness.
There are many different illnesses that can be spread through blood-feeding insects. Some of the most well-known diseases include:
- West Nile virus
- Zika fever
- Malaria
- Lyme disease
- Dengue fever
Other bloodborne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, can also be spread by insects. If you begin experiencing any symptoms relating to these illnesses, visit your doctor immediately.
5. Potential Respiratory Issues
Children have a high chance of developing respiratory problems if they are around certain types of insects. Cockroaches, for example, trigger allergies in kids that cause can cause asthma attacks and similar breathing difficulties. If they are left around the insects for too long, these problems can turn into chronic asthma.
Cockroaches are drawn to damp, dark areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom. It gives them plenty of space to hide and lay their eggs. Your children may experience more breathing difficulties in any room where an infestation is spreading.
Pay close attention to any children living in your home. If they begin experiencing frequent breathing issues, then you may have a cockroach infestation. Contact Phoenix AS pest control services to determine what type of infestation you have and take steps to exterminate the infestation.
6. Insomnia
Have you found yourself experiencing frequent insomnia? Are you waking up consistently during the night? If so, you may be suffering from a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are particularly nasty creatures that can trigger symptoms you may not suspect. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed during the night; the moment you lay down to sleep, the biting frenzy begins. This will lead to itching and scratching during the night.
Keep a record of your sleeping habits. If you find your sleep interrupted constantly, then you may have bed bugs.
When to Contact Pest Control Services
You may think that minor health concerns and annoyances aren’t worth contacting an exterminator for. However, allowing insects to fester in your home can worsen the infestation. Before you know it, you could wind up with far more than an inconvenience or itch.
It’s best to get pest control services involved in your case the moment you suspect there are pests in your home. They can determine the type of pest you’re dealing with and how to get rid of them quickly. Deal with the problem before it becomes a pain!
Contact Pest Control in Phoenix, AZ Today
You don’t have to suffer from health problems caused by pests. Contact pest control in Phoenix, AZ to get rid of your insect-related woes and prevent unnecessary health risks!
Are you struggling to deal with an infestation in your home?
We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our bed bug extermination services and continue reading our blog for more helpful information today!
