How Do Termites Affect Your Health?

Termites are not venomous and do not transmit diseases. However, some people may have allergic reactions to them. These can be mild, moderate, or severe. If they are severe, the results can be fatal.

Some people are also at risk of respiratory problems. These include asthma attacks. The symptoms of asthma can be shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. In some cases, these can be severe enough to result in pulmonary edema.

Termite droppings can irritate the skin and can cause fungal infections. They can also be a source of allergens, which can aggravate allergy symptoms. During the swarming season, the air in a home can be filled with termite spores.

In some homes, mold grows in the wood. This is due to the heat and humidity of the wood. The spores of the mold can spread to other areas of the home. Inhaling these spores can cause fatigue, coughing, runny nose, headaches, sore throat, and hives.

The fungi and bacteria from mold can also be a source of infection. In some cases, these fungi and bacteria can cause bronchopulmonary aspergilloma.

Termites can also affect the structural integrity of a home. If they are infested, a structure can become weak and brittle. The damage to a structure can go unnoticed for years. It is important to make sure that the house is well drained and that the downspouts lead water away from the structure.

Termites do not sting humans, but they can bite. In rare cases, a soldier termite will bite. These bites can be very painful and can result in a rash. Most termite bites will go away in a day.

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