Some pests in St. Louis can cause property damage. Others pose direct health risks to people and pets. These pests can affect air quality, spread bacteria, and trigger allergic reactions. Homeowners who are aware of the risks can protect their property and the people who live in their homes. They can hire St. Louis extermination services when dealing with active infestations and take steps to prevent pests from ruining their lives in the future.
Mice and Rats are More Than a Nuisance
Mice and rats contaminate food and surfaces with urine and droppings. These contaminants may carry bacteria such as Salmonella. Rodent waste can also spread Hantavirus, which affects the respiratory system. The risk increases when droppings become airborne during cleaning.
Rodents gnaw constantly, damaging wiring and insulation. This behavior increases fire risk and exposes hidden areas where bacteria collect. Their nesting materials can worsen indoor air quality.
Cockroaches and Respiratory Issues
Cockroaches thrive in warm, damp spaces such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. Their droppings, saliva, and shed body parts break down into fine particles that mix with household dust. These particles trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Cockroaches also spread bacteria as they travel across surfaces. They move through drains, trash areas, and food prep zones, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Ants and Food Safety Concerns
Ants forage through unsanitary areas before reaching kitchens and pantries. They can pick up bacteria that transfer to food and counters.
Some species, such as carpenter ants, do not spread disease directly but indicate moisture problems that attract other pests. Pharaoh ants pose a higher risk since they spread pathogens in healthcare settings and homes. Bites and stings from certain ants also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Termites and Indirect Health Effects
Structural damage caused by termites can lead to moisture intrusion, mold growth, and weakened indoor air quality. Mold spores affect breathing and may worsen allergies or asthma. Termite damage may also expose insulation and dust within walls, which adds irritants to indoor air.
Mosquitoes and Disease Transmission
Mosquitoes remain a seasonal concern in St. Louis due to warm summers and standing water after storms. These pests pose direct health risks through bites.
Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as West Nile virus. Severe cases remain uncommon, but symptoms can range from mild fever to serious neurological effects. Frequent bites also cause itching and skin infections when scratched. Outdoor activity becomes less enjoyable when mosquitoes dominate yards and entry points.
Fleas and Skin Reactions
Fleas may enter homes through pets or wildlife. They spread fast and bite animals and people.
Flea bites cause itching, redness, and swelling. Repeated bites may lead to allergic dermatitis in humans and pets. Scratching raises the risk of secondary infections. Fleas also transmit tapeworms to pets and may spread bacterial infections under certain conditions.
Bed Bugs and Mental Health Strain
Bed bug bites can cause itching, welts, and skin irritation. Some people experience strong allergic reactions to these bites. Also, bed bug infestations can lead to anxiety, sleep loss, and stress. Constant concern about bites in St. Louis can affect rest and overall well-being. Sleep disruption weakens immune response and impacts daily function, which makes bed bugs a serious quality-of-life issue.
Spiders and Bite Reactions
Most spiders in St. Louis pose little risk. However, species such as the brown recluse may cause harmful bites. Brown recluse bites may lead to skin lesions and tissue damage in some cases. Symptoms range from mild irritation to more severe reactions that require medical care. Spider activity also indicates the presence of other insects, since they rely on prey to survive.