Pest control and management refers to any system or measure that seeks to eliminate or regulate the population of insects considered harmful to human and animal health and the environment. Pest control requires a lot of work and resources, but it is a necessity, especially for homes. Here are the reasons why pest control is important and why all homeowners should consider applying it:
1. Prevention of damage to homes and structures
In the US, people spend about $5 billion to repair damage caused by termite infestations. Termites consume wood and wood products such as plywood and paper. Once they have dug into the wooden components of the house, they can eat away at beams, floors and walls from the inside. This makes the structure weak and vulnerable to collapse, leaving household members at risk. Termite infestation can be especially problematic in older, untreated homes and structures. In areas where termites are known pests, managing a home to keep it safe from termites requires constant vigilance and assistance from pest control agencies.
2. Prevention of allergies
Pests can cause a variety of problems in people, including skin allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Bed bugs and mosquitoes, for example, are known to cause skin rashes. Pests can also carry certain allergens that can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Cockroaches, for example, can cause allergies in at least 7% of the population. They are also one of the leading causes of asthma in children.
3. Avoid diseases and other health risks
Leprosy, skin infections, urinary tract infections, Lyme disease, intestinal infections, dysentery, dengue fever, malaria, and food poisoning are just some of the diseases and health problems that pests can cause. They also carry a number of bacteria and viruses that can affect human and animal health. Although many of these diseases are treatable, they can cause serious health problems in children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed people, many of whom will require professional medical treatment or hospitalization. That, in turn, can translate into millions of dollars in medical costs.
4. Prevention of damage and deterioration of furniture, carpets and clothing
Pest control must be applied to save furniture, carpets, and clothing and avoid the expenses associated with repairs and replacements. Burrowing insects are known to cause damage to wood and fabric components of furniture. Some, such as carpet bugs, moths, cockroaches, and silverfish, are also attracted to the fabric and often use it as a food source.
5. Maintenance of the food supply
The food supply is essential for the survival of the world’s populations. On a macroeconomic level, it also influences the economies of the world and supports most of the industries active today. Without proper pest management, nearly 20% of our food supply will go to waste due to rodent consumption. Every year millions of dollars worth of food is lost to rodent attacks and infestations. By controlling the threat, it is possible to keep food supplies at manageable and usable levels. In the home, implementing pest control measures can help prevent food waste and contamination. Pests not only consume food, they also leave behind undesirable organic matter such as dead skin, body parts, feces, and urine, all of which can affect the quality of the food we eat.