When dealing with a pest infestation, it is natural to have concerns about the type of damage being done to your home. However, you should also be concerned about the potential impact it could have on your health. Some pests are relatively harmless, just unpleasant to have around, but others can spread disease.
Let's examine what pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, want you to know about the impact of pests on your health and that of your family.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are often associated with being dirty, but people don't necessarily think of them as harmful. For most people, that is the case. They are just gross bugs that you would prefer not to see scuttling around your kitchen floor! However, if you have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, the story may be different. As cockroaches move around, they shed body parts, leave behind feces, and excrete saliva. These can get into the air, and if inhaled, they may trigger respiratory conditions. Some of the symptoms that are associated with cockroach allergies include the following:
- Skin rashes
- Congestion
- Sinus infections
- Coughing and wheezing
- Ear infection
Rodents
If you notice signs of rats or mice in your home, it is essential to contact a reputable pest control company in Knoxville, TN, to address the situation promptly. Rodents can present a significant risk to your health. Your food and your preparation surfaces may become contaminated by urine, feces, and saliva. Rodents often harbor and spread harmful diseases, such as:
- Salmonella
- Plauge
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
- Hantavirus
Fleas
If you have ever had to deal with a flea infestation, you likely already know that the bites can be extremely itchy. If you scratch these bites, you will create open wounds that will be at risk of infection. Bites may also trigger allergic reactions in those who are susceptible. The bigger danger with fleas is their ability to transmit bacteria and parasites—such as typhus, plague, and tapeworms—through their feeding on rats. When biting a human, they can transfer these bacteria. If you have a flea problem, it is worth consulting with pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, about treatments to eliminate them from your home.
Stinging Insects
According to the National Pest Management Association, stinging insects are responsible for sending more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year. While individuals with allergies are at the greatest risk, anyone can suffer serious consequences if swarmed and stung by a large colony of bees.
Some colonies can house thousands of wasps, all of which will aggressively protect their nest from perceived threats. During the warmer months, these pests often show up around barbecues, campsites, fairs, and other outdoor gatherings in search of food. Yellowjackets, in particular, are highly aggressive, capable of stinging multiple times, and will even pursue their target over long distances. To keep your family safe from these risks, many homeowners turn to professional pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, for safe and effective removal.
Bed Bugs
While bed bugs don't spread disease, that doesn't mean they can't impact your health and well-being. Bed bug bites can cause uncomfortable skin irritation, and in some people, an allergic reaction can result in severe swelling and hives. As with any bites, scratching them can create open wounds that are susceptible to secondary infections. There can also be an impact on mental health, not just because of the stress and anxiety of dealing with a bed bug infestation, but also because they are nocturnal, which may disrupt your sleep. If you are concerned about potential bed bugs, look for pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, that use thermal heat treatment to eradicate bed bugs, as this is the most effective treatment to eliminate all life stages of bed bugs, from eggs to adulthood.
Mosquitoes
Did you know that mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest pests in the world? This is because they are responsible for the transmission of dangerous diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Malaria, and Dengue Fever. Consult with pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, about mosquito treatments to keep them away from your property.
Pests are more than just an inconvenience—they can pose a direct threat to the health and safety of your family. From triggering asthma and allergies to spreading dangerous diseases, the risks associated with infestations should never be overlooked. The good news is that you don't have to face these problems alone. By working with experienced pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, you can identify, treat, and prevent infestations before they put your home or your health at risk. Don't wait until a small problem becomes a serious hazard—take proactive steps now to protect both your property and your loved ones.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
