5 Surprising Ways Insects Can Affect Your Health

Many insects and pests can have a serious effect on your health. This is one of the many reasons why pest infestations should be taken seriously. There are dozens of ways in which insects can harm you. Here are some of the most common and deadly. 

Some Insects Can Cause or Allergies 

This is probably the biggest and most obvious way that pests can affect your health. Many people are allergic to various insects. A good example of this is things like wasps. But did you also know that many people are allergic to cockroaches? Cockroach feces, skin, eggs, and the cockroaches themselves can all cause allergic reactions.  Symptoms can include things like sneezing, a running or stuffy nose, red and itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Cockroaches can also cause full-blown asthma attacks. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may have cockroaches in your home. There are some useful online resources available on this topic, for instance, Pest Exterminators Essex has a cockriach allergy FAQ section on their blog.

They Can Bite You

Many insects have painful bites. The best example of this is bed bugs. These bugs will completely cover your body in painful bites after only a few nights. These bites are incredibly itchy and can completely drive you up the wall. Other insects like fleas will also bite you. In this case, it’s a little more serious.  Flea bites are able to spread deadly diseases. The most famous example of this is the bubonic plague. They also spread diseases such as murine typhus, Tungiansis, Tularemia, and something called cat-scratch disease. Fleas are also capable of spreading parasites like tapeworms. 

They Can Sting You 

Many insects have incredibly painful stings. Wasps are the first thing that comes to mind. But there are also other insects that sting. In South America, there is something known as the bullet ant. This ant is renowned for its extremely strong sting. It’s said that if you’re stung by one of these ants the pain will go on for days.  You can also add fire ants to this list. These insects are also known for having a painful sting. Not only that, their bites inject a venom that can cause pain for weeks. This venom can also cause skin problems and allergic reactions. Another insect with a painful sting is the horsefly. Although these insects mainly affect horses, they have also been known to target humans. Finally, you have the Asian giant hornet (also known as murder hornets). These hornets are ferocious attackers who have been known to kill people. 

They Spread Serious Diseases And Conditions

Many insects spread deadly diseases and conditions. One of the best examples of this is mosquitoes. These insects spread malaria, a disease that kills over half a million people per year. Mosquitoes also spread something called the Zika virus. This is a deadly disease that causes serious birth defects. Other conditions spread by insects include Lyme disease, which is a condition caused by tick bites. 

Insect Affect Mental Health And Comfort

The bottom line is that most insects are utterly disgusting and filthy. Having to share a home with them can make you seriously uncomfortable. Whether it’s cockroaches, flies, or ants, insects can affect your peace of mind and mental health. Just remember this isn’t something you have to put up with. Most insects are easily exterminated in only a few hours. Start now by calling your local pest control company.