Pests

Animals are viewed as pests if they pose a risk to humans' or pets' health, our food sources, or property. Pests can have a significant impact on both residential and commercial settings, leading to health risks, structural damage, food contamination, reputation damage, and financial losses. Here are some examples:

• Health Risks: Pests like rodents, cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes can carry diseases and bacteria that can cause health problems in humans. For example, rodents can transmit diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella, while cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. Bed bugs can cause itchy bites and insomnia, leading to a decreased quality of life for those affected.
• Structural Damage: Pests like termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can cause significant structural damage to buildings, furniture, and other wood-based materials. This can lead to expensive repairs and replacements.
• Food Contamination: Pests such as rodents and cockroaches can contaminate food products in commercial settings, leading to foodborne illnesses and potential legal liabilities.
• Reputation Damage: Pests in a commercial setting can damage a business's reputation and lead to lost customers. In the hospitality industry, for example, a single bed bug or cockroach sighting can lead to negative online reviews and lost bookings.
• Financial Losses: Pests can cause direct financial losses in commercial settings through product damage and reduced productivity, as well as indirect losses through legal liabilities and reputational damage.

In residential settings, pests can have similar impacts, with the added potential for emotional distress and discomfort for those affected. For example, a bed bug infestation can cause significant stress and anxiety for homeowners, leading to sleep deprivation and decreased quality of life.