Practically every homeowner will have to deal with a few unwanted pests at some point, but major infestations are a completely different story. An infestation can put your family’s health and well-being at risk if it isn’t taken care of as quickly as possible. That is why it is so important for all homeowners to spend some time learning about the most common pest-related dangers and what can be done to prevent them.

Damage From Rats

You might be surprised to hear that rats cause over 100,000 residential fires every single year. Not only do they chew on electrical wires and insulation, but they can also carry dozens of different diseases. When a rat infestation isn’t immediately taken care of, the offspring could hurt your family and damage your personal property. These rodents can either be killed with poison or relocated with traps depending on the homeowner’s preferences.

Recurring Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bugs rarely spread diseases, but their bites often cause painful itching and swelling. One of the most aggravating aspects of bed bug infestations is that you can’t get rid of them by cleaning or treating a single room. These bugs multiply very quickly, and they can live almost anywhere in your home. Your exterminator will need to treat multiple rooms and surfaces at the same time to completely eradicate the infestation.

Black Widow Bites

Black widows aren’t the most dangerous arachnids in the world, but they are extremely common in homes. They can generally be found in dark areas such as inside shoes or between walls, and their bites are quite painful. Younger children and the elderly should seek out professional medical assistance if they are bitten by a black widow.

Mosquito Swarms

Homeowners should contact a local extermination company, like the professionals at American Pest Control Inc, if they ever notice more than a handful of mosquitoes on their property. The vast majority of mosquitoes aren’t dangerous, but they can quickly transmit diseases from one person to the next. You should also keep a close eye on the news for any local outbreaks that have been caused by mosquitoes.

Even relatively harmless pests can be quite destructive when you let them roam around your property. Scheduling preventative service calls with a local exterminator is the best way to keep bugs and other critters off of your property and out of your life. These service calls are especially important when the seasons change and pests start looking for a new place to call home.