ITS ALL ABOUT PETS AND RODENTS

1. What Are the Damaging Effects of Pests?
January 06, 2016
When you have pests in your home, it sometimes seems like keeping their numbers
under control is an unending battle. It's tempting to wonder what would happen if you
just stopped fighting them. However, if you let pests run rampant in your home, you're
setting yourself up for any number of losses— from your health to your home.
Here are some of the damaging effects of pests.
Disease
Fleas, cockroaches, mosquitos and rats are all common carriers for disease, as are
many other insects and rodents. Insects can be vectors for Lyme disease, strep, Rocky
Mountain spotted fever, salmonella, malaria, dengue fever and more. Mosquitoes, in
particular, can carry diseases such as the West Nile virus or the Zika virus. Rodents,
including bats, can carry the plague, hantavirus and several other extremely serious
diseases. Rats and larger mammals can carry rabies. Not only can these pests carry
maladies, they can also transfer them to your beloved animal companions both inside
and outside of the home. An Arizona family faced serious problems with strep when
flea-laden desert sand was brought near their home. The sand was meant to fill a
sandbox. The family cat transferred the fleas from the sandbox to the home, where
family members were bitten. Diseases are'nt the only threat that pests pose to humans.
Many rodents and insects can cause allergies and some have poisonous venom that
can hurt, and sometimes kill, people.

2. Allergies and Venom
Another problem area is allergens. Pests can carry allergens into the home. Their feces
can also cause allergic reactions and their shedding skin can pollute your indoor air.
Dust mite dander and droppings are among of the most common indoor allergens.
However, other pests can also cause allergic reactions. Black widows and brown
recluse spiders are two venomous spiders that whose bites can cause significant health
problems or even death if left untreated. Bugs like wasps, hornets, and bees can also
sting which can cause a severe, and sometimes lethal, allergic reaction in humans.
House Damage
Insects can also cause structural damage to your home. If you have any wood structure
in your home that is not treated for insects and these pests take over, you'll quickly find
yourself paying high costs for repairs. Mice and other rodents often chew on electrical
wires, causing shorts that can start house fires.Keep in mind the sheer level of
destruction and harm pests can bring into your life. Termites are another serious
problem when it comes to structural damage, especially given that they are attracted to
humid environments, something that Georgia has plenty of. They live and find
nourishment in cellulose (which is found in wood), and can be a serious issue for
houses that are primarily made of wood. Termite damage costs US homeowners
around five billion dollars each year. These pesky bugs are estimated to affect 600,000
American homes and the average price to repair termite damage is $3,300. Think about
the amount of damage they can do if they’re allowed free reign in your home and how
much it will cost to repair. If you're having problems keeping pests under control in your
home, contact the professionals at Breda Pest Management. We'll be happy to help you
solve your pest problems.
Effects pests can have on your health
While these pests can destroy parts of your home, they can also pose serious health threats. The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with federal pesticide law, has listed and
described the threats that certain domestic pests pose, and what health issues are prevented by
controlling these pest populations. These threats include the following for each pest population:
 All pests leave behind fecal matter and shed skin that can go airborne and contaminate the air you
and your family breathe.
 Common pests such as cockroaches and mosquitoes spread asthma, allergy, and food
contamination illnesses. Other insects can easily slip through cracks in the walls and bring in their
bacteria.
 Rodents are particularly harmful, in that they contaminate the areas in which they search for food.
Mice dribble urine as they scurry around your home, meaning they are constantly spreading diseases
they could be carrying. Examples of diseases found in household mice and other rodents include:
salmonella, E. coli, and Lyme Disease.

3. How to prevent pest infestation and its related health issues
While you’ll likely never be able to completely eliminate the presence of pests, there are steps you
can take to try and prevent an infestation:
 Tighten it up. Store all food in airtight containers to prevent critters from getting in and
contaminating your food sources. Be sure that your trash can has a tight lid. In terms of your home in
general, tighten up the building envelope by filling in cracks and holes in your walls, foundation, and
vents. This could prevent pests from getting inside.
 Keep it dry and clean. Be sure to fix any leaking pipes or appliances to prevent standing water,
which could attract many different types of pests. By cleaning your countertops, floors, and tables
regularly, you can both prevent food buildup that attracts mice and other insects, and eliminate any
harmful waste from those that have traveled through in the past. Vacuum often to eliminate pests and
their eggs.
While you might not have over 500 different types of pests in your home, odds are pretty high that
you have some. To keep yourself, your family, and your home happy and healthy, stay vigilant about
preventing infestation. To learn more about the health of your home, you can hire a BPI Healthy
Home Evaluator to analyze your indoor air quality, the effects pests have on your home,
How am I effected by pests?
Pests and their negative effects on people, pests are injurious to
health. Pests can act as carriers for allergens which irritate people
with sensitive medical conditions. Pest’s fecal dropping and shed skin
can also become airborne, contaminating the air we breathe in.
This does not even include the bacteria that can be found on pests
themselves.
Common household pests such as cockroaches, rats and mosquitoes
are carriers for infectious diseases and must be exterminated lest they
overrun a household.
In particular, cockroaches can slip through any crack in the walls,
bringing with them bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
Rodents likewise carry salmonella on their bodies, leaving a trail of
contamination on every surface.
Mosquitoes, on the other hand, carry dengue fever. As they breed in
stagnant water, it is highly recommended that water containers be
frequently used up and covered.

4. Food Sources Compromised

5. Not only one’s health that is affected.
Even our food sources are compromised by the airborne bacteria
spread by pests, hence the need of tightly-sealing food containers.
When one says pests, a common image would be crops ruined by the
onslaught or rats, insects and weeds.
Another negative effect of pests is on agriculture in particular and the
economy in general.
Pests have caused losses in virtually an unlimited number of crops.
A swarm of pests could ruin a whole season’s worth of planting and
careful cultivation, leading to financial loss.
It comes as no surprise that pesticides and pest control management
strategies are given much importance by farmers. However, this
negative impact goes beyond agriculture.
Pests also affect plants and your lawn. Habitats that provide
alternative hosts or preys may also harbor pests, thereby increasing
the vulnerability of that habitat and the other organisms that live in it.
The ecology also suffers from the invasion of pests.pests affect plants
These pests directly prey on native fauna, decreasing or rendering
extinct the number of their prey and upsetting the balance of ecology.
Pests also destroy the habitat of other organisms as well as natural
resources, leading to reduction in water quality, increase in soil
erosion and degradation of land, and destruction of native plants that
provide food and shelter to native species or those endemic to the
place.
Another way that these vermin can harm the ecology is through their
competition with native animals for food and shelter. To a certain
extent, pests can even poison native animals and pass on diseases,
leading to the decline of certain animal and plant species.

6. The worst ecological scenario that can be imagined with regards to
pests is the decreased number of native species, the degradation of
their natural habitats and food, and their extinction.
In general, it is of no doubt that pests are nuisances in their own right,
and should not be taken lightly or else the havoc they wreak would be
unprecedented.
We would love to give you a free quote to solve your
residential/commercial or lawn pest control needs.
Pests And Rodents Are A Big Risk For Your Health
Health
April 12, 2016 Katie WebbLeave A CommentOn Pests And Rodents Are A Big Risk For Your Health
Pest control refers to any measure of eliminating or regulating the population of insects that are considered
harmful to human health and the environment. Every homeowner should consider applying pest control to
prevent any negative consequences.
Pest can cause severe damage to your home and your health. Termites can damage your home because they
consume wood and wood products. They will burrow into the wood parts of the home and start to eat them
from inside. Once they are in your wood components, there is no getting them out without a help of
experienced professional. Termites can eat walls from the inside, beams and floor, which makes these
structures weaker and vulnerable to collapse. They are especially dangerous for older homes with a lot of wood
structures, and homes that have not been treated for termites.

7. Pests can have a negative effect on your health. They can cause many different health problems, such as
asthma and other respiratory problems, skin allergies, skin rashes, and can even cause strong allergic reactions
in some people. One of the leading causes of asthma in children are cockroaches, so you can get idea of how
potentially dangerous they can be for your health. Pest problem is not a joke, and it should be treated as soon
as possible. If you are from New York and have a pest problem you want to be gone in a short period of time
contact Pest Control NYC. Don’t wait until you get sick to call. Pests carry a number of bacteria and viruses
that can affect your health and the health of your pet, if you have one. They can cause leprosy, urinary tract
infections, Lyme disease, malaria, intestinal infections, dengue and many others. Although most of the
diseases pests cause can be treated, some of them can have serious consequences on the elderly, children and
immune-compromised individuals. Most of these individuals will require professional medical treatment of
hospitalization. Pests also not only consume food, but also leave behind dead skin, feces and urine, and
sometimes even body parts, all of which can affect our health if we consume it. That’s why pest control
measures are necessary if you suspect you have problem with pests.

8. Besides pests, another potential risk for your health have rodents. If you live in a big town, such as New York,
you probably know that it is not rare for buildings to have rodents. Rodents can also cause many different
diseases, so if you notice them be careful and call a Rodent Control NYC as soon as possible. Don’t ignore
them if you want to stay healthy. One of the diseases rodents carry is bubonic plague, and it is spread to
humans by fleas. It is usually fatal a few days of infection, and is spread by the bite of a plague-infected flea.
Luckily, it can be treated with antibiotics. Another disease is Salmonella. It is spread to humans by contact
with mouse droppings, especially through consumption of contaminated food, and it causes serious
gastroenteritis. Also, they host small tapeworms which can spread to humans who eat food contaminated with
rat droppings. They can also spread if a person’s hands are dirtied by droppings and not washed before meals.
That’s why washing your hands before a meal is very important
Pests And Rodents Are A Big Risk For Your Health
Health

9. April 12, 2016 Katie WebbLeave A CommentOn Pests And Rodents Are A Big Risk For Your Health
Pest control refers to any measure of eliminating or regulating the population of insects that are considered
harmful to human health and the environment. Every homeowner should consider applying pest control to
prevent any negative consequences.
Pest can cause severe damage to your home and your health. Termites can damage your home because they
consume wood and wood products. They will burrow into the wood parts of the home and start to eat them
from inside. Once they are in your wood components, there is no getting them out without a help of
experienced professional. Termites can eat walls from the inside, beams and floor, which makes these
structures weaker and vulnerable to collapse. They are especially dangerous for older homes with a lot of wood
structures, and homes that have not been treated for termites.
Pests can have a negative effect on your health. They can cause many different health problems, such as
asthma and other respiratory problems, skin allergies, skin rashes, and can even cause strong allergic reactions
in some people. One of the leading causes of asthma in children are cockroaches, so you can get idea of how
potentially dangerous they can be for your health. Pest problem is not a joke, and it should be treated as soon

10. as possible. If you are from New York and have a pest problem you want to be gone in a short period of time
contact Pest Control NYC. Don’t wait until you get sick to call. Pests carry a number of bacteria and viruses
that can affect your health and the health of your pet, if you have one. They can cause leprosy, urinary tract
infections, Lyme disease, malaria, intestinal infections, dengue and many others. Although most of the
diseases pests cause can be treated, some of them can have serious consequences on the elderly, children and
immune-compromised individuals. Most of these individuals will require professional medical treatment of
hospitalization. Pests also not only consume food, but also leave behind dead skin, feces and urine, and
sometimes even body parts, all of which can affect our health if we consume it. That’s why pest control
measures are necessary if you suspect you have problem with pests.
Besides pests, another potential risk for your health have rodents. If you live in a big town, such as New York,
you probably know that it is not rare for buildings to have rodents. Rodents can also cause many different
diseases, so if you notice them be careful and call a Rodent Control NYC as soon as possible. Don’t ignore
them if you want to stay healthy. One of the diseases rodents carry is bubonic plague, and it is spread to
humans by fleas. It is usually fatal a few days of infection, and is spread by the bite of a plague-infected flea.
Luckily, it can be treated with antibiotics. Another disease is Salmonella. It is spread to humans by contact

11. with mouse droppings, especially through consumption of contaminated food, and it causes serious
gastroenteritis. Also, they host small tapeworms which can spread to humans who eat food contaminated with
rat droppings. They can also spread if a person’s hands are dirtied by droppings and not washed before meals.
That’s why washing your hands before a meal is very important
Mice
A common pest in most rural areas, mice may be considered easier on the eyes than
the other creatures we have on this list, but they are by far one of the worst offenders
when it comes to health risks. Like most pests, mice will scour your house in search of a
meal; however, even if they don’t get into your food they will still contaminate your
kitchen area.
Mice constantly dribble urine, meaning any surface they come into contact with instantly
becomes contaminated. This steady stream means that any diseases they carry such
as salmonella or meningitis, both of which can severely affect humans, will be
guaranteed to find their way onto your floors and countertops. What makes this even
worse is that mouse urine dries fast, becoming invisible, so you might be placing your
bread down on a pile of nasty, mouse-ridden bacteria without even knowing.

12. Cockroaches
Roaches are a firm favorite for the most disgusting looking pests around, but while they
are offensive to look at, the risks they pose to humans are even worse. Cockroaches
live in sewer environments and come up into homes in search of food and warmth.
While they scuttle about your countertops and kitchen cupboards they are leaving
behind bacteria, parasites and pathogens, all of which can affect humans. However,
roaches don’t need to contaminate a surface to harm you. They can do it simply by
existing. Droppings, urine, decaying roach bodies and shed skin all break down and
become air born particles— particles that can pose a serious risk to asthmatics,
especially children. The floating roach dust gets into the lungs and causes allergic
reactions, proving to be worse for asthma suffers than dog hair, cat fur or even
conventional dust.
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Bed Bugs

13. As it turns out, you really don’t want to let the bed bugs bite. While they are not carriers
of harmful diseases or parasites, they can affect you in other ways. Not only can their
bites cause rashes, scars and lesions, but they can have serious psychological effects.
Bed bugs are exactly that, bugs that live within the woodwork of your bed. Infestations
are very hard to get rid of and can take a long time to destroy, leaving you to sleep in an
itchy, pest-ridden bed for extended periods of time. The result of sharing your bed with
these bugs can cause anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation and depression. Not only does
it cause these psychological problems, but these bugs push their hosts to do whatever it
takes to get rid of them. This often leads to property damage, inhalation of dangerous
chemicals, and even fire hazards as sufferers resort to burning infested furniture and
flooring in pure desperation.
Fleas
Fleas are flightless, but they have powerful legs and can easily jump onto your pet’s fur
when they are running through an infested area, such as long grass. These tiny blood
drinkers will attach themselves to anything living, including you. While their bites can
give you an allergic reaction, and even cause a severe and dangerous anaphylaxis in
some people, fleas can have a nastier side if accidentally swallowed. Although this is
rare, mostly occurring in children, the fact they are so small means it is easy for them to

14. become ingested. The result of ingesting these minuscule insects is a far more
disturbing and harmful infestation, a tapeworm. Tapeworms are large parasitic worms
that live in the intestines, munching on your food and growing up to 50 feet long.
You’re not only living creature in your home that fleas, and their potential friends, can
affect. While many pet owners use some kind of flea prevention, less commonly known
is that animals acquire tapeworm the same way humans do, by ingesting “infected”
fleas. Any flea that has eaten tapeworm larvae and is then swallowed by your pet,
typically while grooming, can turn suddenly become a far more serious problem.
Rats
We saved the best for last. Rats are carriers of some of the most dangerous diseases
on the planet and without these critters the bubonic plague might not have wiped out so
much of Europe.

15. pulgas
focus on select infectious diseases
It's not uncommon, especially during the winter months, to have an unpleasant
encounter with a rodent who has made its way into a home uninvited. What many
people do not realize, however, is that these pests can be much more than a nuisance.
Rodents, such as rats, mice, prairie dogs and rabbits, are associated with a number of
health risks. In fact, rats and mice are known to spread more than 35 diseases. These
diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of live or dead rodents,
through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, and through rodent bites. Diseases
carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through fleas, ticks, or mites
that have fed on an infected rodent.

16. This is especially concerning as the weather cools and rodents start to look for snug
warm places to overwinter - like our homes. The National Pest Management
Association estimates that rodents invade about 21 million homes in the United States
every winter, squeezing through spaces as small as a nickel.
Rodent droppings can trigger allergies and transmit food borne illness such as
salmonella, and as mice are capable of dropping up to 25,000 fecal pellets each year,
an estimated 70 times each day - prevention and prompt removal in case of an
infestation is key.
Below is a summary of some of the most common diseases associated with rodents:
Hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, tularemia, and plague.
HANTAVIRUS
The Sin Nombre Hantavirus was first recognized in 1993 in the Four Corners region of
the southwestern United States, but is now found primarily in the western United States.
This virus is carried by the deer and white-footed mouse and the cotton and rice rat.

17. People become infected with Hantavirus through several routes, but rodent infestation
in and around the home remains the primary risk. The virus is mainly transmitted to
people when fresh rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are stirred up, become
airborne and are breathed in by people. In addition, if an infected rodent bites someone,
the virus may be spread to that person. Researchers also suspect people can become
sick if they eat food contaminated by urine, droppings, or saliva from an infected rodent.
Typically, symptoms of Hantavirus develop between one and five weeks after exposure
to fresh urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Infection with Hantavirus can
progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease which
can be fatal. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches in the thighs,
hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. The infected person may also experience
headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal complaints, such as nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Four to ten days after the initial phase of illness, the late
symptoms of Hantavirus infection develop and HPS may appear. These include
coughing and shortness of breath and progression to respiratory distress and failure.
HPS has a mortality rate of 38 percent.
There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for Hantavirus infection. However, if an
infection is recognized early and the patient receives acute medical care in an intensive
care unit, they may do better. In these care settings, patients may receive mechanical
ventilation for respiratory failure and be given oxygen therapy to help them through the
period of severe respiratory distress.
LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS (LCM)
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM, is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease caused
by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). The primary host of LCMV is the
common house mouse. It is estimated that 5 percent of house mice throughout the
United States carry LCMV and are able to transmit the virus. Other rodents, such as
hamsters, are not the natural carriers, but can become infected with LCMV from wild
mice. Some human infections have resulted from contact with pet rodents.
Transmission of LCMV infections can occur after exposure to fresh urine, droppings,
saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents. Infections are more common in the
colder months when mice enter homes seeking warmer winter habitats. Transmission
may also occur when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin, the nose,
the eyes, or the mouth - or presumably, via the bite of an infected rodent. Person-to-
person transmission has not been reported, with the exception of vertical transmission
from infected mother to fetus, and rarely, through organ transplantation.
An LCMV infection has two phases; the first phase has non-specific signs and
symptoms such as fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea,
and vomiting. Less frequent symptoms include sore throat, cough, joint pain, chest pain,
testicular pain, and salivary gland pain. The second phase of illness is dominated by
neurologic disease. Symptoms may include meningitis (fever, headache, stiff neck,

18. etc.), encephalitis (drowsiness, confusion, sensory disturbances, and/or motor
abnormalities, such as paralysis), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of both the
brain and meninges).
Most patients who develop neurological disease due to LCMV survive. However, as in
all infections of the central nervous system, particularly encephalitis, temporary or
permanent neurological damage is possible.
Women who become infected with LCM during pregnancy may pass the infection on to
the fetus. Infections occurring during the first trimester may result in fetal death and
pregnancy termination. Infections in the second and third trimesters may result in
serious and permanent birth defects, including vision problems, mental retardation, and
hydrocephaly (water on the brain).
However, excluding fetal infection, LCM is usually not fatal with a reported mortality of
less than 1 percent. Most cases are self-limited, but often meningitis, encephalitis, or
meningoencephalitis require hospitalization and supportive treatment based on severity.
Supportive and symptomatic care with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids,
may be considered under specific circumstances.
PLAGUE
Plague is infamous for killing millions of people in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is a
disease that affects humans and other mammals and is caused by the bacterium,
Yersinia pestis. Humans usually get plague after being bitten by an infected rodent flea
or by handling an animal infected with plague. The last urban outbreak of rat-associated
plague in the United States occurred in Los Angeles in 1924-1925. Presently, human
plague infections continue to occur in rural and semi-rural areas in the western United
States.
Plague bacteria are most often transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. If an infected
rodent dies, hungry fleas will seek other sources of blood - including humans., although
dogs and cats may also bring plague-infected fleas into the home. Flea bite exposure
typically results in bubonic plague.
Bubonic plague is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, and
weakness and one or more swollen, tender and painful lymph nodes (called buboes).
The buboes generally occur in the lymph nodes closest to where the bacteria entered
the human body contain large quantities of multiplying bacteria.

19. Transmission of plague may also result from contact with contaminated fluid or tissue.
For example, a hunter skinning a rabbit or other infected animal without using proper
precautions could become infected. This form of exposure most commonly results in
bubonic plague or septicemic plague.
Septicemic plague is characterized by life threatening septic shock withfever, chills,
extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and possibly bleeding into the skin and
other organs. Septicemic plague can occur as the first symptom of plague, or may
develop from untreated bubonic plague.
Pneumonic plague typically develops after a person breathes inbacteria-containing
droplets. Patients develop fever, headache, weakness, and a rapidly developing
pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. The pneumonia may cause
respiratory failure and shock. Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of the disease
and is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person
Plague is a very serious illness, but is treatable with commonly available antibiotics.
However, without prompt treatment, the disease can cause serious illness or death. The
earlier a patient seeks medical care and receives treatment that is appropriate for
plague, the better his or her chances are for a full recovery. Close contacts of patients
with pneumonic plague may need to be evaluated and possibly treated as well.
TULAREMIA
Tularemia is a disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Francisella
tularensis. Rabbits, hares, and other rodents are especially susceptible and often die in
large numbers during outbreaks. Humans can become infected through several routes,
including tick and deer fly bites; skin contact with infected animals; ingestion of
contaminated water; and through laboratory exposure or inhalation of contaminated
dusts or aerosols.
Tularemia is widely distributed and found in many parts of the United States. Naturally
occurring infections have been reported from all states except Hawaii.
The signs and symptoms of tularemia vary depending on how the bacteria enters
the body. All forms are accompanied by fever, which can be as high as 104 °F. Although
tularemia can be life-threatening, most infections can be treated successfully with
antibiotics.
The most common form of tularemia is ulceroglandular disease and usually occurs
following a tick or deer fly bite or after handling an infected animal. A skin ulcer appears

20. at the site where the organism entered the body and is accompanied by swelling of
regional lymph glands, usually in the armpit or groin.
Glandular tularemia is similar to ulceroglandular tularemia but without an ulcer. It is also
generally acquired through the bite of an infected tick or deer fly or from handling sick or
dead animals.
Oculoglandular disease occurs when the bacteria enter through the eye. This can occur
when a person is butchering an infected animal and touches or accidentally has some
of the airborne particles enter their eyes. Symptoms include irritation and inflammation
of eye and swelling of lymph glands in front of the ear.
Oropharyngeal infection results from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Patients with orophyangeal tularemia may have sore throat, mouth ulcers, tonsillitis, and
swelling of lymph glands in the neck.
The most serious form of tularemia is oneumonic infection. Symptoms include cough,
chest pain, and difficulty breathing. This form results from breathing dusts or aerosols
containing the organism. It can also occur when other forms of tularemia (e.g.
ulceroglandular) are left untreated and the bacteria spread through the bloodstream to
the lungs.
Common Diseases Spread by Rodents
Rodents are well known as disease carriers. Different
types of rodents carry and transmit different diseases. Transmission of
many of these diseases requires direct exposure to the excrement of
certain rodents or direct bites by rodents, so understanding the risks of
exposure from certain species is important to actively prevent infection.
Some of the most well known diseases transmitted by rodents include:
hantavirus, rat-bite fever, and of course, the plague. While many of these
diseases are fairly uncommon in many parts of the U.S, they are all still

21. very much a concern, and in some parts of the world, a more serious
everyday risk based on factors like living conditions and overall sanitation.
Very occasionally, diseases thought to be non-existent here in the U.S.
show up here; they can be transported lots of ways, but one of the biggest
comes from travelers who go abroad and return. Here are some of the
most common diseases spread by rodents.
Hantavirus
A fairly common virus, Hantavirus occurs throughout the Americas— North
and South— and is contracted by breathing in dust contaminated with
rodent droppings or urine, or other direct contact with these substances.
Bite wounds can also spread this disease, though this is less common. The
deer mouse, cotton rat, rice rat, and white-footed mouse all carry this
disease. Utah homes many, many deer mice, although the others
mentioned here are less common.
Rat Bite Fever
Rats and mice can potentially transmit this bacterial disease. A bite or a
scratch wound from a rodent can spread this disease, as can contact with a
dead rodent. Similarly, consuming food or drink that has been
contaminated with rat droppings can lead to infection.
Salmonellosis (Salmonella poisoning)
This is also a worldwide disease risk brought on by exposure to rat feces.
This exposure is commonly derived from eating or drinking contaminated
substances.
Plague
Made infamous by the enormous death count in medieval Europe and other
countries around the world, the plague is still among diseases spread by
rodents that warrants concern. A bacterial disease, the plague is
transmitted by a wide range of rodents, including: squirrels, chipmunks,
prairie dogs, wood rats, and other wild rodents. The disease is spread
primarily through bites from infected fleas, but can also spread from direct
exposure from an infected animal.

22. Diseases Caused by Pests
 BY ADMIN
 JANUARY 7, 2013
 UNCATEGORIZED
 1
With our commitment to healthier living and working environments, we at Northwest understand the importance of
good pest management for personal health. Living in a hygienic environment and minimizing exposure to
unwanted pests can literally save lives. For instance, the lives of twenty-five million Europeans during the Late
Middle Ages were claimed by fleasthat had spread the bubonic plague. They managed this feat by using another pest
as a host – rats! Modern improvements on hygiene, sanitation and pest management have dramatically reduced the
impact of this disease.
Source
Another more common disease brought on by insects is Lyme disease. This disease is carried by the deer tick in the
form of a bacterium called Borrelia bugdorferi. If a deer tick bites you, the bacterium enters the bloodstream and
will lead to skin rash and in extreme cases, paralysis. When caught early, antibiotics can eliminate the bacteria
before it causes furthermore harm.

23. Source
Mosquitoes in particular can carry a host of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, pogosta disease, and West
Nile virus. They carry similar traits in that when infected, a person will experience a fever indicating that more
serious effects are on the way such as meningitis or arthritis. All these diseases can lead to death if not caught or
treated properly. For some of these diseases, the best form of prevention is pest management. Northwest
Exterminating provides solutions to reduce the presence of mosquitoes in and around your home or work
environment.
Source
If you come in contact with a pest and feel you may have been exposed to any disease, be sure to immediately seek
medical attention. Many of these diseases, as well as others such as malaria or rabies can be treated when caught
early.
Diseases caused by pests
 Babesiosis: Transmitted through black-legged ticks that dogs can carry, symptoms include chills, fever,
headaches, fatigue and nausea. Advanced stages may cause liver or spleen distention.
 Bacillus cereus: This is a food poisoning caused by cockroach droppings.
 Cat Scratch Disease: A common bacterial disease spread by fleas, it is often experienced after a cat bite or
scratch. Symptoms include chills, fatigue, vomiting, chills, nausea, fever and enlarged lymph nodes.
 Chikungunya: Caused by mosquitoes, this is a pathogen that started in Africa, Europe, Asia and the
Caribbean. As of 2014 it has been found in the US and is rare in the West Coast. Symptoms can include joint
pain, headache, muscle pain and fever.
 Chloriomeningitis: This is a disease spread by mice and it can lead to cerebral meningitis. It has been found
to occur in the West Coast. People have been known to use Pokeroot, an herbal remedy, to treat it.
 Dermatitis: Transmitted by mites on mice, when these insects bite humans, it can lead to dermatitis.
Symptoms include itchy skin, inflammation and blistering.
 Ehrlichiosis: This disease is caused by ticks considered “Lone Star and are found in the Midwest and West
Coast. Symptoms can include rashes, fevers, diarrhea, muscle aches, cramping, nausea, confusion, joint pain,
fatigue, and cough.

24.  Favus: Favus is a contagious skin disease caused by a fungus spread with domestic fowl and other animals.
Symptoms include itching, inflammation and pain.
 Leptospirosis: Known as Weil’s Disease, it can be found in the US in mild climates and is spread by the urine
of infected animals. Symptoms include fever and jaundice.
 Lyme Disease: Spread by deer ticks, dogs can bring this type of tick into the home or people can get it from
being in tall grass or woods where ticks are present. Symptoms include flu-like illness, joint pain and
neurological problems. It can lead to respiratory illnesses.
 Murine typhus: Symptoms include stomach pain, backaches, joint pain and cramping, fever, a cough, and a
rash developing. Severe versions include Epidemic typhus and symptoms can include bleeding in the skin, low
blood pressure, delirium, and death.
 Rat bite fever: Rat bite fever is a fever that is caused by rat bites. More common on the East Coast, it can
cause septicemia and can be debilitating with muscle pain, fever, and arthritis and body weakness.
 Rickettsialpox: Spread by mice and other small rodents, its symptoms include fever, chills, backaches,
headaches and rashes. The culprit is mite bites.
 Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Caused by dog ticks, symptoms include stomach pain, fever, headaches
rashes, diarrhea, headaches, and joint pain.
 Salmonella and E. coli: Spread by cockroach and rodent droppings, the bacteria can cause food poisoning and
make people sick if the food they eat has picked up the droppings from counters that haven’t been wiped down
thoroughly.
 Shigella dysenteriae: This can cause dysentery and is spread by cockroaches.
 Tapeworm: This disease can be transmitted through dogs and cats and can be transferred to humans making
them sick with fever, stomach pain and cramping.
 Tularemia: Spread by ticks, this disease can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in humans, fever, headaches
and chills.
 Typhus: This is a bacterial disease that can be caused by fleas.
 West Nile Virus: Common more on the East Coast, it is spread by mosquitoes in areas that have stagnant
water and can cause fevers, chills, headaches and rashes.
Because rodents and other pests carry the potential for various diseases with them, if a homeowner has a pet
and have seen evidence of rodent droppings or they have noticed changes in their health or breathing, or if
they’ve developed rashes, it might be time to contact a pest control center that can help to rid the home of any
infestations.

25. Pest Prevention Tips
Pests and rodents aren't simply a nuisance - they can severely affect your health and the
health of your family. This is why bug and insect prevention is critical in protecting
homes, businesses, schools and any other place where human beings live, work or play
from a pest infestation.
Here are some general tips to prevent household pests and rodents from entering your
home:
 Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes.
 Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
 Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
 Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
 Repair fascia and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
 Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
 Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
 Call a qualified pest professional for additional advice and treatment if necessary
6 Other methods of pest control
Page last updated: November 2010
The use of pesticides to control pests should always be the last resort. Other action can be taken around
homes and communities to control pests. Most of these actions simply relate to clean and healthy living.
6.1 Hygiene as a method of pest control
When houses and yards are kept clean, there is no food for pests and nowhere for them to live and
breed, and this in turn means that there are few pests.
Pests can be controlled by practising good hygiene in the following ways:
 Clean up after meals. Put food scraps in the bin, and wash and dry plates, cups, glasses, cutlery and
cooking pots after use.
 Put all rubbish into the bin
 Wrap all food scraps tightly in paper before putting them in the bin
 Keep all the benches, cupboards and floors clean and free of food scraps
 Regularly clean behind stoves, refrigerators and other household appliances
 Keep food in containers with tight-fitting lids
 Use the toilet properly. Make sure that all urine and faeces goes into the pedestal pan and that the toilet
is flushed after use. Toilet paper is the only kind of paper that should be flushed down the toilet.

26.  Make sure the toilet is clean and the cistern works correctly
 Make sure that all septic tanks and leach drains are well sealed
 Make sure that the community rubbish tip is operated correctly with the rubbish being buried regularly
 Use flyscreens to stop pests entering the house and seal holes around pipes
There is little point to having a pesticide program to control domestic pests if the relevant hygiene factors
are not addressed as well. The pests will soon return if good hygiene is not maintained.
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6.2 Biological control methods
Biological control methods can also be used to control pests. These methods include using natural
enemies of the pest and biologically interfering with their ability to breed. Pesticides are not used.
Two examples of biological control methods are:
 the use of Australian native fish to feed on mosquito larvae in water bodies
 the use of the dung beetle to break down and bury cow faeces so that it is no longer available as a
breeding place for flies
However, biological control methods can go wrong. One such example was the introduction of the giant
cane toad to Queensland some years ago to control cane beetles. It was though the toad would to feed
on the cane beetles and so reduce their numbers. But the toad was not successful in controlling cane
beetles. Instead the poisonous toads multiplied rapidly, and have now become a major environmental
pest in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and are likely to enter the Kimberley region of Western
Australia.
There are other areas where biological products have been successfully introduced to control pests. One
such example is the use of BTI to control mosquito larvae. BTI is a larvicide composed of a toxin
producing bacteria. The mosquito larvae are killed when they eat the bacteria. BTI will not kill mosquito
pupae.
7 Types of pesticides and how they enter
animals and plants
Page last updated: November 2010
Pesticides can be grouped according to the types of pests which they kill:
 Insecticides - insects
 Herbicides - plants
 Rodenticides - rodents (rats and mice)
 Bactericides - bacteria

27.  Fungicides - fungi
 Larvicides - larvae
Fig. 5.23: Some well known insecticide containers
There are also other ways to group pesticides. For example, they can be grouped according to the
chemicals in them or to the method of application.
7.1 How pesticides enter animals and plants
Insecticides
It is important to know the target insect's habits when choosing the insecticide and which form (solid,
liquid, granule or aerosol) to use. For example, flying pests such as adult mosquitoes are best attacked by
aerosol sprays or fogs (droplets in the air), while crawling insects are best treated with surface powders,
sprays or granules for dermal and/or oral entry.
Insecticides kill insects by getting inside their bodies where they then act as poison.
There are three different ways insecticides can get into an insect body.
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These are:
 Dermal Entry
The insecticide enters the body through the skin. In insects, the skin is called the cuticle. Insecticides of
this kind are called contact poisons.

28. Dermal entry can happen when:
 aerosol spray droplets hit the insect
 insects walk over and thereby come into contact with powder or granule forms of insecticide
Fig. 5.24: Dermal entry.
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 Oral Entry
The insecticide enters the body through the mouth when the insect eats it. Insecticides of this type are
called ingested poisons. The insecticide may be ingested by the insect:
 as a poisonous bait ( a food to which insecticide has been added)
 when it 'grooms' (cleans) itself after the poison comes into contact with its body

29. Fig. 5.25: Oral entry.
 Respiratory EntryT
The insecticide is breathed in by the insect. These insecticides are called inhaled poisons.
Insects do not breathe through the mouth as most animals do. They breathe through spiracles (small
holes along the side of the abdomen).
Fig. 5.26: Respiratory entry.
Herbicides
Herbicides are used to kill plants. This may be by:
 killing that part of the plant which they touch

30.  killing the plant when they are absorbed into it through the leaves, stems or roots
Rodenticides
Rodenticides are used to kill rodents. These poisons are usually put into food to make poisonous baits
which rodents eat.
8 Pesticide treatment program
Page last updated: November 2010
A pesticide treatment program is designed to get rid of pests by using one or more pesticides.
Pesticides should not be used unless there is a definite need to do so and where a pest problem has
been identified, such as extensive cockroach infestations in people’s houses.
Before a pesticide application program is undertaken, alternative methods of pest control must be
considered, such as domestic hygiene measures.
In applying a pesticide it is extremely important to choose the correct one for the job and to apply it safely
and in accordance with the label directions.
8.1 Choosing the correct pesticide
In choosing the correct pesticide for a treatment program there are a number of factors that should be
considered:
 Which of the available pesticides will control the target pest or pests?
 Of these, which would be the better pesticide to use? The choice should take into account the required
application method and the pesticide's level of toxicity.
 How is it applied?
 For how long will it control the pest?
 How toxic is it to humans and other non-target species?
 Can it cause damage to the environment and how might this occur?
 Is it biodegradable?
 How much pesticide is required for the job?
The pesticide selected in the end should be the least toxic to humans and other non-target
species and be easy to apply, yet effective in the control of the target pest.
All of these questions need to be considered carefully before the final choice of pesticide is made. If for
some reason there is not enough information supplied with the product to answer all the questions, it is
important to get this information before buying or using the pesticide from the people who sell it.
If there is any doubt about any aspect of pesticide use, check with an EHO at your local
government. It may also be possible to contact the manufacturer directly.
Once the pesticide has been chosen, there are a number of questions which need to be answered in
relation to the pesticide itself, the equipment and the application method. These are outlined below.

31. The pesticide
 How much of the job will one container of pesticide do? Will more be needed and if so, how much? Does
it need to be mixed with anything? If so, what and how much?
 Where and how should it be stored?
 How should containers and leftover pesticide be disposed of?
The equipment
 What application equipment is needed?
 What protective clothing and equipment is required?
 How should the protective clothing and equipment, and the application equipment be cleaned?
The application method
 What warnings are given?
 What safety measures are necessary while the pesticide is being used?
 How must the pesticide be applied?
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8.2 Insecticide types
Most of the pesticides used around houses are insecticides. They are used to kill the many insect pests
that annoy people and/or affect their health. The majority of insecticides belong to several basic groups
which are broadly defined by the chemicals used to make them. These are inorganic insecticides, organic
pyrethrins, synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphorous insecticides and insect growth regulators.
Inorganic insecticides
These insecticides are of mineral origin and include substances such as arsenic trioxide powder (used in
termite treatments) and boric acid (used in cockroach treatments). Some of them are not commonly used
these days. This is because they are often highly toxic to mammals (furred, warm-blloded animals), are
non-biodegradable, or simply because easier methods have been found.
Most inorganic pesticides have a stomach poisoning action. For this reason they are usually in solid form
and are applied as baits.
Organic pyrethrins
These are made from certain plants. The most widely used natural insecticide is pyrethrin which is
obtained from a type of chrysanthemum flower.

32. Pyrethrin has a number of advantages as an insecticide:
 It is a broad spectrum insecticide. This means it will kill a wide range of insect pests.
 It has low toxicity to mammals
 It acts quickly, that is, it has a fast knockdown
 It is biodegradable (breaks down fairly quickly)
The main disadvantage of pyrethrin is that it has little or no residual action.
Synthetic pyrethroids
This is a group of synthetic insecticides. This means they are insecticides which have been chemically
manufactured (man-made) to work like naturally occurring pyrethrins. This group of chemicals are
generally low in toxicity to humans, but are very effective against a wide variety of insect pests.
Examples of synthetic pyrethroids are:
 bifenthrin
 permethrin
 bioresmethrin
 tetramethrin
 deltamethrin
 Coopex, Cislin, Crackdown and Biflex are four commercial products in this group