Bed bugs, flies, fleas, and more; they’re a pest, sure, but they’re also making you sick.
Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to bacterial and viral diseases such as salmonella, listeria and hepatitis A that manifest as food poisoning.
But there are simple remedies at hand. Take a look at our closer guide on the top offenders, how to spot them and prevent an outbreak before they become a real issue for your health and home.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs look like small brown discs (about 6mm long) and are mainly active at night. They get into the home from our clothing, bags and second-hand items like furniture.
Their bites generally cause red lumps and irritate the skin, although some people experience a more severe reaction and disturbed sleep.
Watch out for:
-
Rows of red bites around your neck, back, legs and arms
-
Dark spots on your bedding that look like dots of ink
-
Clusters of white eggs sticking to the mattress (check the seams)
-
Tiny smears of blood on the linen or headboard
How to deal with them:
Don’t attempt to treat them yourself. Contact a professional pest controller who will use insecticides and steam to kill the bugs at all life stages (including the eggs).
Flies
Flies are bound to attack any rubbish, septic tanks or lawn clippings that are left out in the open; along with dirty tables, benches and open drains. All species spread bacteria such as salmonellosis, dysentery and hepatitis A.
Spotting them is easy! Prevention is the cure.
How to deal with them:
-
Cover all food scraps
-
Make sure the rubbish bin has an undamaged and tight-fitting lid
-
Empty the rubbish bin regularly
-
Install fly wire screens on your windows
-
Make sure that septic tanks and leach drains are sealed properly
-
Remove dog and other animal faeces ASAP
-
Spray household insecticides on bins, toilets and tanks in warm weather
Cockroaches
Much like flies, cockroaches will feed on almost anything including rubbish and faeces. They contaminate food and surfaces as they go, passing on bacterial and viral diseases such as gastroenteritis.
Watch out for:
-
Little black droppings
-
Sickly-sweet smell
-
Empty egg cases
-
Chewed labels and paper
How to deal with them:
-
Use the same preventative measures as for flies
-
Fill cracks and crevices around pipes in the walls and stoves
-
Clean kitchen cupboards regularly to avoid build up of food particles
-
Use an insecticide with low toxicity or call a professional
Fleas
At only 2mm long, fleas are almost impossible to spot until they’ve fed on you or your pets! They get into the house from your clothing and jump between warm-blooded animals, bedding and carpets in busy areas.
Watch out for:
-
Pets that are constantly scratching or flea droppings in their coat
-
You can check your pet by combing back their hair over a sheet of white paper to highlight any black specs as they fall. Add a few drops of water – if they turn red, it’s definitely fleas
-
Bites appear as red spots on humans, usually around the ankles and legs
How to deal with them:
-
Apply veterinary approved flea products to your animals regularly
-
Vacuum your pet’s bedding and favourite spots, remember to empty the bag outside
-
Wash bedding where appropriate
-
Dispose of garden waste and keep clippings away from the home
-
For a serious infestation, contact a professional so a suitable insecticide can be applied to all floor surfaces.
Rats and mice
Rates and mice generally live in roof spaces, wall cavities and under floorboards. Both species can also be found in sewer systems, pipes, insulation and gardens. They transmit disease from their urine and faeces that can cause food poisoning.
Watch out for:
-
Droppings
-
Holes in walls, floors and ceilings
-
Teeth marks and damage from chewing
-
Scratching and scampering noises
-
Dark grey marks left on surfaces by the animal’s fur
How to deal with them:
-
Follow the same good hygiene practices above
-
Install window screens
-
Use traps and poison that are designed for the home – take care to avoid areas accessed by pets and children
-
Contact a professional for a serious infestation or if home-use products fail (both species are highly adaptable and often evade amateur poisons and traps).
*Remember that you are not permitted to trap or kill certain pests. If in doubt, seek advice from your local council or contact the British Pest Control Association. They have a useful A-Z guide on how to control pests of all shapes and sizes. *
Words by Cate Sutherland