Four Types of Pests in Indiana That Can Spread Disease

There is a long list of pests that can cause problems in your Indiana home. Pests are a fact of life and will continuously attempt to get into your home. There are some types of pests that can cause illness in humans by spreading disease. In order to protect your health and that of your family, you need to be vigilant about keeping these pests out. Four common types of pests in Indiana that can spread disease include cockroaches, rodents, flies, and mosquitoes. 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most disgusting pests that can infest your home. They prefer to spend their time in dark, damp places. Cockroaches are known to crawl through sewer pipes and be attracted to areas that are full of mold. The bacteria that cockroaches walk through can get stuck on their bodies and legs. When they make their way to your house in search of their next meal, roaches can transfer that bacteria to your surfaces and food supply. 

Rodents

Rodents such as mice and rats will infest your home in search of food, water, and shelter. They can squeeze through surprisingly small openings and chew through some types of building materials to get inside. Rodents can transmit disease to humans directly and indirectly. Handling a rodent, coming in contact with rodent excrement, or eating food contaminated by rodent activity are all ways that you can be exposed to disease. 

Flies

Flies can carry a number of disease-causing organisms on their bodies and transfer them to surfaces in your home. The way that flies spread disease is similar to the way cockroaches spread disease. Flies spend their time in some disgusting places. Fly eggs and larvae can often be found in animal feces. Once they mature, flies may go off in search of garbage or other feces to feed on. When a fly comes into your house and lands on the counter, your cup, or food, it can spread those disease-causing organisms to you. 

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are another type of flying pest that can spread disease. In fact, mosquitoes are the deadliest type of pest worldwide because of their ability to spread diseases like malaria, dengue, and yellow fever. In Indiana and throughout the US, these diseases are not commonly an issue. However, mosquitoes can also spread Zika and West Nile virus, both of which have been problematic in the US in recent years. The way that mosquitoes transfer disease is different than flies. Mosquitoes spread disease through their bite and saliva.  

Cockroaches, rodents, flies, and mosquitoes are present throughout Indiana. Each one of these pests have the potential to spread disease to humans. In order to protect yourself and your family from these pests, you need to be proactive. A proactive response to pests includes taking steps to keep them from getting inside your house and bringing in professional help if you develop an infestation.

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