Are you planning on having a baby in the near future? If so, you probably have a million things on your to-do list. From getting the nursery painted to making sure you have the right bottles, there is a lot to get done. But, what about your home? Have you been noticing a problem with some unwanted pests making their way inside? Not only can a pest problem be bothersome and unsanitary, in some cases, it can make your newborn and other family members sick. Here are a few pests that may pose a health risk and steps you should take to eradicate the problem.

Rodents

For most people, the occasional mouse can be eliminated by a simple trap method and there is often not a reoccurring problem. But, if the circumstances are right and more than one mouse decides to take up residence in your home, an infestation can easily occur. An influx of rodents, specifically mice can turn your world upside down. While most are harmless, some may carry a potentially deadly disease called Hantavirus. Hantavirus affects your respiratory system. If you happen to come in contact with the droppings or urine of a mouse infected with Hantavirus, you could get very sick. Flu-like symptoms along with complete respiratory failure can occur. It’s important if you have a mouse infestation in your home that you eradicate it right away, especially if you have a newborn on the way. Mice can crawl into beds and cabinets, making newborns extremely susceptible to exposure. Contacting the nearest pest control in fairfax VA  or a pest control pro in your area is the best way to make sure that the mice are removed properly and that your home is tightly secured to prevent a future recurrence. Having your home insulated properly and making sure that your windows and doors close tightly are important factors in keeping the mice population away from your home.

Flies

Another irritating critter that can invade your space is the common house fly. Many people have them in their home and they are nothing but an irritating nuisance. But sometimes they can actually carry disease and make you very sick. Newborns and those with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to getting sick from a fly that has been infected with diseases like salmonella, dysentery, and typhoid. While contracting these conditions may be rare, it’s still possible. The best way to prevent your new baby from getting any type of disease from a house fly is to control the population. This includes:

• Keeping windows and doors shut during the summertime when not in use.
• Making sure window screens are secure with no holes or gaps.
• Placing trash containers and rubbish far away from the house.
• Avoiding moisture buildup within the home.
• Cleaning up after pets properly.

All of these factors can help reduce the likelihood of an infestation of flies in the home. Sometimes it can be hard to get rid of biting flies due to the location of your home or a problem with your neighbors attracting flies to their yard. Call a pest control specialist to get the problem under control and set up the proper fly traps.

Stinging Insects

Before you bring your little bundle of joy home from the hospital, making sure your home is free of stinging pest is also important. Bees, hornets, and wasps are just some types of flying insects that pack a hefty sting. You can’t avoid stinging insects altogether, but if you suspect an infestation, its best to get it under control now. If you see an overabundance of bees or you hear them in the walls of your home, don’t try to remove them on your own. Call the pros to come out and safely remove them from your property.

Cockroaches

Many people are leery of creepy crawlies, specifically cockroaches. Cockroaches are well known to invade homes, multiply rapidly and make it hard to eradicate completely. Because they can get into food and destroy personal belongings, they can leave behind a dirty and unsanitary environment for a newborn. In some instance, cockroaches can carry diseases, such as typhoid, salmonella, dysentery and some forms of gastroenteritis. They can also cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Getting rid of all pest problems right away is vital to the health of your newborn. Having a pest-free home will give you peace of mind and a thriving environment for your little one.