What Risk Do Pests Pose?
Pest infestations are one of the biggest problems a commercial business and homeowner can face. Studies show that over 2.9 million residents have seen various pests in their homes. New Jersey is home to a vast population of roaches, rodents, ants, and ticks.
Keeping them out of your property is a challenge because they come back. However, letting pests take over your home and business will come at a cost. They can damage your property, spread diseases, and contaminate your food supply.
How can pests contaminate food and food surfaces? As they crawl on filth, germs and bacteria cling to them, which they carry over to your supplies. Are you wondering about these organisms’ risks to your family, pets, staff, and customers?
Read on to find out how pests can put your safety on the line.
Do Pests Carry Pathogens?
Pests are a food safety hazard because they carry pathogens. But how can pests contaminate food and food surfaces? Various pests, like rodents, can spoil food through saliva, urine, droppings, and fur.
It’s common knowledge that pests crawl on garbage, sewage, and other filth. They transfer these harmful bacteria to your food if they go over food and surfaces.
Salmonellosis
One infectious disease you can catch by eating contaminated food is salmonellosis. It’s a common bacterial infection that can affect your intestinal tract. Symptoms of salmonellosis may include fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains.
Salmonellosis can last up to a week. Although you can survive salmonella infection without treatment, there have been severe cases. This can happen if the person suffers from severe dehydration or when the infection spreads to other body parts.
To avoid getting salmonellosis, prevent pest infestation in food premises. Check your pantry, cabinets, and other storage for pests and remove them right away. If you notice signs of an infestation, you may need to throw out possibly contaminated food.
Escherichia Coli Infection
E. coli is often carried by deer, cows, sheep, and goats. However, it can also come from insects, birds, and squirrels. The symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
Unlike salmonellosis, symptoms of the E.coli infection show up a few days after eating spoiled food. This prevents you from taking immediate action. Some will only realize the effects as late as nine days after consuming contaminated food or water.
Most healthy adults can recover within a week. However, children and older adults pose risks of developing kidney failure.
To avoid catching E. coli, clean your food storage regularly and ensure you seal them tight. It also helps to follow proper waste management because pests like to delve into the garbage.
Listeriosis
Salmonellosis is a pretty common foodborne illness. However, only a few people can recognize listeriosis.
Studies show that about 1,600 people in the US suffer from listeriosis yearly. Although it’s a rare condition, the symptoms can get severe. Some experience fatigue, confusion, and seizures.
Listeriosis is tricky because you don’t have to eat spoiled food to catch it. Touching food, surfaces, and utensils with Listeria monocytogenes or putting a contaminated hand near your mouth can result in an infection.
What Are the Requirements for Managing Pest Control in a Food Premises
It’s crucial to act as soon as you see signs of pests on or near food premises. Start by identifying the affected areas and which spots pests are more likely to spawn. This could depend on environmental conditions or the general pest population.
Next, identify what kind of pest you’re dealing with. This will enable you to plan the necessary steps for effective removal.
If there is a need for pest control action or preventive measures are no longer working, it’s time to take control steps. It’s always best to leave this part to the professionals as they have the equipment to safely and effectively deal with pests.
Allergy
Apart from pathogens, some pests carry allergens harmful to humans. Most rodents and insects can cause allergies even if there’s no contact with them.
Common household pests that carry allergens include mice, cockroaches, dust mites, and termites. All these can give you nasal congestion, dermatitis, eczema, or asthma. To avoid these complications, keep the pests away from your home.
You can find mice between walls, cabinets, and other hard-to-reach areas. The droppings and dander they leave around cause allergens.
Cockroaches often thrive in narrow cracks and crevices. Apart from the droppings, the saliva and cadavers of the roaches can trigger an allergic reaction. As a result, their infestation has long-term effects.
Dust mites like to live in bedding, carpets, and other fabrics. If you suffer from severe allergies, avoid thick-fabric materials. It’s also best to wash and disinfect your bedding regularly to prevent bed bugs.
Termites spread dust through the air, and inhaling them can trigger allergic reactions. Clean your windowsills, floors, and furniture often because they often hide in these areas.
Bites and Stings
A pest infestation implies a high chance of getting bit or stung by these organisms. Some examples include bed bugs, bees, hornets, wasps, and spiders. Depending on the pest, the effect of a bite or sting can range from mild to severe.
Always apply first aid if you ever get bitten by pests or stung by an insect. Wash your bite area using soap and rinse with cold water. You can put on a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If the redness and swelling do not go down after 24 hours or worsen, consult a doctor. Persistent redness and swelling are often a result of venom.
Some of these pests come in swarms, which can overwhelm anyone. Call for a pest control service before the situation gets out of control.
Home Damage
What is the main risk posed by pests? If foodborne illnesses weren’t enough, some pests could also cause significant damage to your home.
Rodents love to gnaw on wires and other materials. Leaving them damaged can cause a fire and other safety hazards. They can also enter your car engine and nest if you leave your car unattended.
Another example is termites feeding on wood can destroy your furniture. In addition, pests can damage other personal belongings, such as clothing. Failure to act can lead to extensive damage and cost you a large sum of money.
Implementing the right pest solutions can improve your quality of life.
How Can Pests Contaminate Food and Food Surfaces? : The Risks They Bring
So, how can pests contaminate food and food surfaces? Pests are not only destructive; their mere presence can also bring risks and severe health issues to you, your family, staff, and customers. Even if you keep your house and commercial business clean, various pests can find their way into your pantries or your pet’s food.
NJ Pest Control is at your service if you’re struggling with a pest infestation. NJ Pest Control offers environmentally-conscious and effective solutions to protect your home or business from pests. Book an inspection today!
