Most people know that rodents were the cause of the Black Plague. This disease killed more than half of the European population. These pesky pests, as well as many others, carry dangerous and contagious diseases that can range from Typhus to Salmonella. In order to eliminate the spread of illness and disease these pests must be controlled. Below is a list of the most common pest and the diseases they carry.
Rodents
Rodents are notorious for destroying property, spreading disease, and taking human food. More importantly, these pests are visually displeasing in the home. The diseases associated with rodents include leptospirosis, murine typhus, and rat-bite fever.
Cockroaches
Over the course of time, cockroaches have adapted to living around humans. In most cases, these pests are considered an allergen source, and most can trigger asthma. However, there is little evidence that suggest the cockroach carries a specific type of disease. In some unique instances, the pests have carried Salmonella typhimurium and the poliomyelitis virus.
Fleas
Fleas are common disease vectors that have been known to carry murine typhus and the bubonic plague. Additionally, fleas function as an intermediate host for tapeworms in some species of dog and rodent. The tapeworms have occasionally infested people.
Mosquitoes
Diseases linked to mosquitoes include malaria and yellow fever. Newer diseases include West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Although mosquito control has greatly reduced the spread of disease; mosquitoes can still carry a few other diseases. These diseases include St. Louis encephalitis and eastern equine encephalitis.
Flies
A housefly generally carries over 1 million bacteria on its body. The diseases associated with these pests are Salmonella spp (known as typhoid fever), Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholera. The organisms are carried on the fly’s body hairs or the tarsi. It is common for flies to regurgitate on food when they try to liquefy it for ingestion.
Pest Control and Prevention
The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to control the pest. This is easily accomplished by using specific steps or trained professionals. Removing available sources of shelter, food, and water helps eliminate pests. Removing garbage from the home, as well as from around the home, frequently can help to control a pest problem. Learn more about Los Angeles pest control as an option to start eliminating pests, and reducing the spread of disease. Trained professionals can offer experience in both pest prevention and control. These are all ideal methods of dealing with these unwanted house guests.
It is important to keep your home free of dangerous disease and one of the most common vectors is the infestation of pests. Take time to organize your home and prevent unwanted guests by having an annual spray.