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In this issue…
1. Bats
2.
Brown Recluse Spiders
3.
Fleas
4. Ticks
5.
Q&A: How can my builder protect my new home from
termites?
6. Quick
Facts
For the average homeowner, there are good and bad aspects to bats. Having bats near the house can be a good thing. Most bats eat large numbers of night-flying insects. Bats are also a very important part of our world's natural ecology and they can be fun to watch as they fly around a streetlight catching insects.
On the down side, bats' droppings are an excellent medium for a fungus that is sometimes fatal to humans. There is also still a slight, but very real, risk of rabies if you contact saliva from a rabid bat.
Many different kinds of spiders live around homes and buildings. Most are harmless and in fact are beneficial, because they prey upon flies, crickets and other nuisance insects. One spider that is potentially dangerous is the brown recluse, sometimes referred to as the violin or fiddleback spider because of the violin-shaped marking on its dorsum. Although bites are uncommon, the venom can cause serious wounds and infestations should be taken seriously.
Like other spiders, the brown recluse is not aggressive. It is quite common, in fact, to live in a building that is heavily infested and never be bitten. Most bites occur in response to body pressure, when a spider is inadvertently trapped against bare skin. Some people are bitten when they roll over one in bed. Other bites occur while moving stored items or putting on a piece of clothing that a spider has chosen for its daytime retreat. Brown recluse spiders have remarkably small fangs and cannot bite through clothing.
The initial bite is usually painless. Oftentimes the victim is unaware until 3 to 8 hours later when the bite site may become red, swollen, and tender. The majority of brown recluse spider bites remain localized, healing within 3 weeks without serious complication or medical intervention. In other cases, the victim may develop a necrotic lesion, appearing as a dry, sinking bluish patch with irregular edges, a pale center and peripheral redness. Often there is a central blister. As the venom continues to destroy tissue, the wound may expand up to several inches over a period of days or weeks. Persons bitten by a brown recluse spider should apply ice, elevate the affected area, and seek medical attention immediately.
Researchers have found another reason for people with allergies and breathing problems to pay close attention to what's lurking inside their homes. We all know that fleas can cause bites and skin irritations but their eggs and body parts circulating in the air can cause allergic reactions. People who live with pets in air-conditioned homes create a dust-filled environment that's rich in allergy producers. To help defeat fleas:
Check your home and animals frequently.
Pay particular attention to your pet's resting areas and carpeted areas.
Vacuum carpeting, baseboards, furniture and the pet's bedding frequently.
Seal vacuum bags and dispose of them immediately.
If fleas persist, seek professional pest management.
Ticks are more than just nuisance. They carry major disease organisms including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, affecting people, pets, farm animals and wildlife. While you can't totally protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of exposure with these precautions:
Have your yard treated for tick infestations.
Wear light-colored clothing.
Avoid shrubs and tall grass.
Wear long shirts and pants.
Use insect repellents on your skin and clothing.
Check out our website for more information on tick-borne diseases.
Q&A: How can my builder protect my new home from termites?
A pre-construction termite treatment can prevent termites from damaging your home and you can continue to receive annual checkups for protection. Check out the 'builders' section on our website, or have your contractor go there for pre-treat options.
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