Finding bugs in your home is never a fun experience. Most people get at least a little grossed out by the sight of creepy crawlers on their floors, walls, or furniture. Although we all know that they are unwanted, we may not realize exactly the risks that we are facing when these insects and rodents become our roommates. Keeping your home pest-free is important to your families health.

One of the most obvious ways that having pests in your home can damage your health is by biting you or your family members. Bed bugs are notorious for biting areas of exposed skin at night. These bites can cause swelling and itching. Although the bites are not poisonous, they can become infected if they are scratched. Other insects that can cause skin irritation from biting include mosquitos, fire ants, and fleas.

Certain pests are known for causing diseases or irritating symptoms of people who already have health concerns. Cockroaches are especially prone to carrying bacteria that might cause anything from UTIs to diarrhea. If a member of your family has asthma, having cockroaches in your house can also greatly increase the number of attacks that they experience. Although they are not quite as common as cockroaches, rodents such as mice or rats may also bring bacteria that cause illness into your home. The diseases are spread through rodent feces and urine.

Having pests in your home also puts you at risk of getting food poisoning. Once pests have entered a home, many seek out the food sources. Contamination of food can lead to pretty severe stomach problems. The common household fly is one of the biggest culprits for causing food-borne illnesses. In fact, the fly has been known to carry more than 100 kinds of germs, including salmonella.

Finally, it is important to remember that they way in which you treat your house for pests can also have an impact on your health. Many pest control companies are now offering treatment methods that are not only more environmentally friendly but also safer for your family and your pets. Companies are focusing on reducing the amount of chemicals used and on fighting off bugs in a smarter, safer way. Do your research and speak to your pest control company to make sure that your house is being treated in the best way possible.

It’s time to start taking care of your well-being as well as your families by controlling pest infestations and treating your home on a regular basis. No one likes the sight of these bugs in their home, but it’s even creepier to know about the impact they can have on your health.