Having termites in your home can pose a serious threat. Termites cause structural damage to your property, affecting hardwood floors, insulation, and even the under-roof area. So, if you notice suspicious signs of an infestation, such as peeling paint that looks like water damage, hollow-sounding wood, and crumbling wood, you may want to consider getting in touch with a pest removal expert.
But termites can also cause a range of health issues. If you suspect that your home may be infested with termites, it is important to take action quickly to protect yourself and your family from potential health risks. This blog post will explore the health risks associated with termites.
Respiratory distress or asthma
In cases where people are exposed to termites, they may suffer an increase in asthma symptoms due to the dust and debris that termites produce. The dust and debris created by termites contain allergens that can trigger an asthma attack. These allergens can irritate the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. As a result, a person may experience an increase in asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. When an asthma attack occurs, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to breathe. During an asthma attack, the person may feel short of breath, have difficulty speaking or walking, and may experience fatigue.
Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer
When termites invade your home, they can unknowingly expose you to a dangerous material known as asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building insulation, roofing materials, and even floor tiles. Asbestos fibers become airborne when disturbed and can easily be inhaled. This is especially concerning when it comes to termites, as their constant eating and burrowing can quickly cause the asbestos to become airborne. When this happens, you may be exposed to high levels of this hazardous material, increasing the risk of cancer, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Bacteria and fungi
Termites can carry various bacterial and fungal infections, some of which can be very dangerous. The ability of termites to spread disease is one of the largest threats to human health. Termite colonies are home to a wide variety of germs and fungi that can be spread to people through contact with the termites or their droppings.
Allergies
Termites’ saliva and droppings can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you are allergic to termites, you may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a rash. It is important to note that these symptoms can be similar to other allergies or even a cold or the flu, so it is important to speak to your doctor to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
When it comes to allergies caused by termites, they typically affect people with weakened immune systems, asthma sufferers, or those who have a heightened sensitivity to allergens. In some cases, if left untreated, the allergy can worsen over time and lead to more severe health issues.
Termites do not just affect your home. They can act as a ticking health bomb inside your household, leading to a variety of conditions. So, if you suspect you have termites at home, do not delay pest removal!
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