Do you know that research from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) has documented 409 ant species in Singapore? Well, while ant infestation is a nuisance factor; they pose far-reaching effects on health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Some common species are the sugar ant, black ant, carpenter ant, and the violent red imported fire ant. These insects thrive on food sources and moisture, making kitchen and bathroom areas prone to infestation.
Understanding the risk implications on health associated with ants can help you deal with these pests and protect your home and family. This blog explores the dangers of ants infestation and practical strategies for its effective control and prevention.
Health risks associated with ant infestation
While ants do not directly harm humans, their presence can cause serious health issues. Here is a list of a few health risks associated with these insects underscoring the need for a professional ant exterminator in case of a severe infestation.
Food contamination: Ants carry bacteria and several pathogens that can contaminate food items. They can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea. This can cause foodborne illnesses like E. coli or Salmonella. Furthermore, for families with senior citizens and young kids, the risk of infection is higher as they have weaker immunity.
Allergies: Certain ant species can trigger allergic reactions, ranging from mild to severe itching responses. For instance, fire ant stings are not only painful but can also lead to anaphylaxis allergy in some individuals. The non-stinging ants carrying waste materials can also cause allergies in some cases.
Respiratory issues: Airborne particles released by ants can contaminate the indoor air quality. Their decomposing bodies and waste particles act as asthma triggers. This adds to the problems of individuals with asthma or existing respiratory conditions.
Painful stings: Some ant stings can cause instant pain, swelling, and pus-filled blisters. Fire ant stings can lead to urgent medical requirements in a few cases.
Psychological impact: Persistent ant infestation in your personal space can affect your mental well-being and leave you more anxious and frustrated. The constant stress of this insect can lead to new health concerns or worsen the existing ones.
Hygiene risk issues related to ants infestation
Do you know ants can exacerbate sanitation issues? Yes! They invade our clean homes and businesses leaving behind a lot of waste! Here are some hygiene concerns that an ants infestation can lead to:
Sanitation problems: Ants are attracted to food crumbs, liquid spills, and similar waste. Any ant attack therefore denotes an underlying sanitation and cleanliness issues. While a professional ant exterminator can remove the infestation, you have to improve the overall hygiene to curb re-occurrences.
Surface and other contamination concerns: Ants can invade your home and crawl over clean kitchen counters, dishes, food jars, and other surfaces, causing contamination. So, even if they aren’t causing health issues directly, they are creating an unsafe and unsanitary environment.
Spread of other pests: With ants come other pests, such as cockroaches and fleas. This can add to pest problems and your DIY home remedies and control measures can fall flat exacerbating hygiene issues!
Conclusion
Ants infestation can wreak havoc on your health and safety. These tiny-looking insects can cause massive problems through stings, bites, and contamination. While you can take proactive measures to keep them away, it is essential to consider a professional ant exterminator to eradicate them for good!
Having said that, several expert pest control services in Singapore are busy tackling the prevalence of ants infestation. If you are facing an ant invasion, we suggest you try our services. At ORIGIN, we offer the best pest management solutions in Singapore and ensure the protection of your home and the well-being of your family by providing a healthy and safe living environment.
