No one likes discovering pests at home. Whether it’s a line of ants in the kitchen, a cockroach under the sink, or the scratching sound of mice in the walls, these encounters are more than just unpleasant, they’re health risks waiting to happen. Across Metro Vancouver, from Surrey to Burnaby, Richmond to Langley and Delta, homeowners face recurring pest challenges that can directly impact health and wellbeing.
While many people think of pest control as a matter of convenience or cleanliness, the truth runs deeper. Common household pests carry bacteria, allergens, and parasites that can cause illness, trigger allergic reactions, and contaminate living spaces. Understanding these health problems is the first step toward protecting your family and maintaining a safe, pest-free home.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common health issues linked to household pests and why professional pest control is essential for preventing them.
1. Allergies and Asthma from Cockroaches and Dust Mites
Cockroaches are among the most widespread indoor pests in cities like Surrey and Burnaby. Their saliva, droppings, and shed body parts contain allergens that can become airborne and trigger asthma or allergic reactions, especially in children. In homes with existing respiratory issues, even a small infestation can make symptoms significantly worse.
Dust mites, though microscopic, add to this problem by feeding on dead skin cells and thriving in humid environments. Together, these pests can cause persistent sneezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
Regular cleaning helps reduce dust and allergens, but eliminating the source, the pests themselves is key. Professional pest control treatments target these allergens at their source, ensuring long-term relief for your household.
2. Foodborne Illnesses from Rodents and Cockroaches
Rats, mice, and cockroaches are notorious carriers of disease-causing bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These pathogens can contaminate kitchen surfaces, utensils, and stored food. Even brief contact with pest droppings or urine can spread harmful microorganisms that lead to severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever.
Metro Vancouver’s dense urban layout, combined with mild winters, makes it easier for rodents and cockroaches to invade homes seeking warmth and food. Once inside, they can multiply quickly, turning a small problem into a major health hazard.
The safest approach is a professional inspection to locate entry points and apply targeted treatments ensuring your home remains free from both pests and harmful bacteria.
3. Skin Reactions and Bites from Bed Bugs and Fleas
Bed bugs and fleas may be small, but the discomfort they cause is hard to ignore. Bed bug bites often appear as red, itchy welts, typically on exposed skin areas like arms and legs. Fleas, on the other hand, tend to bite ankles and lower legs, leaving behind clusters of irritated marks.
While these bites are not known to transmit serious diseases in Canada, they can lead to secondary infections from scratching and can significantly disturb sleep and mental health. In multi-unit buildings across Surrey and Richmond, these pests can spread easily between apartments, making control difficult without professional help.
Because bed bugs and fleas hide in fabrics, carpets, and cracks, DIY sprays often fail to reach them. Professional pest control specialists use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that combine inspection, heat treatment, and safe chemical applications for complete removal and prevention.
4. Diseases from Rodents
Rodents are more than a nuisance, they’re a public health concern. Mice and rats can transmit diseases such as Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Salmonellosis through droppings, urine, and nesting materials. They also carry fleas and mites that can spread additional infections to humans and pets.
In regions like Langley and Delta, where many homes back onto wooded areas or open fields, rodents often seek shelter indoors during colder months. Once they enter, they chew through wires, contaminate insulation, and leave droppings in food storage areas.
Attempting to trap or remove them without expertise can expose homeowners to these pathogens. Professional rodent control includes inspection, exclusion (sealing entry points), sanitation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and long-term prevention.
5. Stings and Allergic Reactions from Wasps and Other Insects
Wasps are especially active during late summer and early fall in Metro Vancouver. Their nests often appear in roofs, attics, and garden sheds. A single sting is painful, but for those allergic to venom, it can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Children and pets are at higher risk, especially when nests are near outdoor play areas or patios. Attempting to remove a wasp nest without proper equipment can lead to multiple stings and serious injury.
Professional pest control teams are trained to remove wasp nests safely and prevent future infestations. Their expertise ensures your property remains safe and comfortable throughout the season.
Protecting Your Health Through Professional Pest Control
Household pests are more than a minor inconvenience they’re a direct threat to your health and quality of life. Allergies, infections, bites, and contamination are all preventable when the problem is handled properly.
At Total Pest Control Ltd, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to address the root cause of infestations while minimizing risks to your family and the environment. Whether you’re in Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, or Delta, our team offers tailored pest control solutions that protect both your home and your health.
If you’ve noticed signs of pests or are concerned about potential health risks, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Total Pest Control Ltd today to schedule a professional inspection and ensure your home remains a safe, pest-free space for your family.