According to a recent survey conducted by the ConsumerAffairs.com website, 17 percent of Americans say they take no action about the pests in their homes.

The report stated that there are two reasons people may not act: Either they cannot afford it financially, or they have lived with that environment from a young age, so they are less concerned about the presence of pests.

How much tolerance would you have for a rodent (the most common pest encountered) or cockroach running or crawling across your kitchen floor?

Having pests in the home can be disruptive, embarrassing, and unhealthy. According to the survey, 12 percent of Americans have been forced to move out of their homes temporarily because of a pest issue, and seven percent said they had to leave their homes for good. About 14 percent reported needing renovations or repairs to get their infestation under control or deal with the damage caused by pests.

Cockroaches and rodents can trigger allergies and asthma, and they spread germs that contaminate food. Mice and rats can also carry fleas and mites that spread disease pathogens. Termites and other wood-destroying pests can threaten the structural integrity of your home.

The consequences of ignoring pests

Ignoring a pest problem will not make it go away – and may just make it worse. Despite resistance from homeowners to spending money on professional pest management services, the survey found those who have dealt with pest issues have faced high expenses and unintended consequences.

An estimated one-third of people who spent money in the past year to fight pests in their homes spent more than $1,000. Infestations can also lead people to throw out damaged or soiled items, renovate their homes, or – in extreme cases – move out of their homes entirely.

Many of the people surveyed indicated their homes were infested for long periods before they acted. In many cases, neighbors’ homes were the sources of the pests.

Other consequences of ignoring pests include:

Health risks: The survey revealed 16 percent of Americans report experiencing health issues because of pest infestations. Pests can carry disease pathogens and allergens that can be harmful to you and your family. For example, cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks, stinging insects can cause allergic reactions, and rodents can transmit diseases caused by hantavirus and Salmonella.

Property damage: Pests can cause damage to your home's structure and your belongings. Termites, for example, can chew through wood, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Rodents can also chew through wires, leading to electrical problems and fire hazards. They also can damage insulation enough to require it to be replaced.

Contamination: Pests can contaminate your food and living areas. They can leave behind droppings, urine, and shed skin, which can spread bacteria and other pathogens.

Promoting increased pest populations: Ignoring a small pest problem can lead to a larger infestation. Pests reproduce quickly, so what starts as a minor issue can escalate rapidly if left untreated.

Costly fixes: The longer you ignore a pest problem, the more difficult and costly it can be to resolve. Professional pest management services are necessary, along with repairs of any damage caused by the pests.

Call or text California’s trusted, friendly pest management expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule a home wellness inspection and defuse the rodent, termite, or flying pest threat.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.