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 management is important and why every homeowner should consider applying it:

1. Preventing damage to homes and structures

In the U.S., people spend about $5 billion for the repair of damages caused by termite infestation. Termites consume wood and wood products such as plyboard and paper. Once they have burrowed into the wood components of the home, they can eat beams, floorings and walls from the inside. This makes the structure weak and vulnerable to collapse, leaving household members at a risk. Termite infestation can be especially problematic in older homes and structures that have not been treated. 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. Preventing allergies

Pests can cause a range of issues in people, such as skin allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Bed bugs and mosquitoes, for example, are notorious for causing skin rashes. Pests can also carry certain allegens that can cause strong 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. Avoiding diseases and other health risks

Leprosy, skin infections, urinary tract infections, Lyme disease, intestinal infections, dysentery, dengue, malaria and food poisoning are just a few 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 issues in children, the elderly and immune-compromised individuals, many of whom will require professional medical treatment or hospitalization. That, in turn, can translate to millions of dollars in medical costs.

4. Preventing damage and deterioration of furniture, carpets and clothes

Pest control has to be applied in order to save furniture, carpets and clothing and avoid the expenses associated with repairs and replacements. Burrowing insects are notorious for causing damage to the wooden and fabric components of furniture. Some, such as carpet bugs, moths, cockroaches and silverfish are also attracted to fabric, often using it as a source of food.

5. Maintenance of food supply

Food supply is critical to the survival of the world’s populations. On a macro economic level, it also influences the world’s economies and supports majority of today’s active industries. Without proper pest management, almost 20% of our food supply will be wasted due to consumption of rodents. Each year, millions of dollars’ worth of food is lost to rodent attacks and infestation. By controlling the threat, it is possible to keep food supplies at manageable and useful levels. On the homefront, implementing pest control measures can help prevent food waste and contamination. Pests do 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.

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