Children are known for their unfettered exploration, curiosity and willingness to try new things. Many of these adventures result in contact with pests that can be dangerous to a child’s health.
Keep in mind these five dangerous pests and learn how to get rid of them if you find them in your home or yard where your children play.
Ticks
Ticks are small insects that are known for living around the edges of yards and fields where there is some sunlight and some shade. Your family’s dog or cat may pick up a tick while outdoors. Your child can also get a tick bite when playing outside. Ticks transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Inspect your kids and pets for ticks before they come inside
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common household pest. They hide in crevices and under things. Many people are allergic to cockroaches. Cockroaches can also trigger asthma in children. If you see cockroaches in your home, you will need to do a thorough cleaning and throw away any foods that the insects have infested.
Venomous Spiders
Venomous spiders such as the brown recluse and black widow are known to hide under furniture, in the backs of drawers and in seldom used items like boxes and shoes. A bite can be painful and may cause a severe reaction in your child. A spider bite may cause numbness, tingling and an infection and needs to be treated as an emergency. Removing clutter and regular cleaning can help to avoid an infestation
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are an increasingly common household pest. They can get into your home through borrowed books, infested furniture and from visiting infested hotels. Bed bugs can bite and cause a rash or allergic reaction, and they may cause your child to feel itchy and sleep poorly.
Mosquitoes
Any small pool or puddle of water can yield hundreds of mosquitoes in your yard within just one week. Mosquitoes carry illnesses such as Zika virus, West Nile Virus and more. These illnesses can have long-term effects on your child’s growth and development. Be vigilant about dumping out standing water on your property and preventing water from collecting.
You can take action to keep pests away from your kids. Regular cleaning and checking common hiding spots can alert you to the presence of pests. You can also check your children for attached bugs or new bug bites and call a pest control company like Crystal Lake Pest Control if you have an infestation.