Can Termites Get You Sick?
WouterTermites aren’t harmful to humans or pets. The only thing that can get you sick from them is an allergic reaction. While most people experience a mild reaction after being bitten, some may develop a more severe allergic reaction.
The sting from termites can cause painful itching, burning, and swelling of the tissues. It’s best to treat the bite with an ointment. The itchiness from a termite sting usually goes away after a few hours. However, it can linger for days.
When termites are in your home, they can spread mold. They produce mold spores that can irritate your respiratory system and skin. They can also cause fungal infections. This can cause a variety of health problems, including hives, coughing, fatigue, headaches, and memory loss.
Termite infestations can also lead to myiasis, a condition that affects the tissue of the host. Typically, myiasis occurs in open wounds and in older adults. It is often accompanied by a foul odor.
If you’re an asthmatic, wood dust and mold from termites can trigger respiratory problems. Mold spores are also commonly associated with bronchiopulmonary aspergilloma, a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Many insects produce proteins that can trigger allergy and respiratory symptoms. Several types of mold can also cause asthma. The fungus grows in a dark, humid environment.
The nests of termites can be distributed throughout your home by ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, and heating systems. If you have any of these in your house, you should contact a pest control specialist.
