Vector/Tickborne Disease:Prevention & Control
Vector Control
To prevent the human disease and discomfort caused by vectors, the unit provides technical information to local health departments, governments and the public on methods to monitor and control them. Vectors are insects, ticks, rats, mice, birds and other animals that transmit disease-producing organisms to humans. Here are some common vectors that the public can be aware of:
Considered one of the most troublesome and economically important pests in the United States. House mice live and thrive under a variety of conditions in and around homes. House mice consume food meant for humans or pets. They contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning. Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures and property. Practicing proper sanitation methods can reduce the number of mice in and around homes.
A destructive pest found in urban and suburban neighborhoods. These rodents eat and contaminate food, damage buildings and other property by their gnawing and burrowing, and may spread diseases that affect people and household pets. Sealing holes and proper sanitation will effectively reduce the percentage of rats in households and any other infested areas.
Although fear of spiders is common, dangerous types are not likely to be encountered in many buildings. However, the Brown Recluse Spider, which can inflict a serious bite, has been found in buildings, particularly in the southern part of Illinois. Harmless, crawling spiders are occasionally a nuisance in basements or other areas. Tighter sealing around windows and utility access holes and tight weather-stripping on exterior doors will usually reduce their numbers. Residual insecticide sprayed on surfaces near potential entry may help somewhat; dust and microencapsulated formulations may have a greater chance for success. Spiders that build webs in secluded corners or in outdoor locations, such as caves or lights, can be most efficiently controlled with a vacuum. The general approach of sealing up entry points and vacuuming up intruders should be the first consideration for most types of spiders (and other crawling pests, such as crickets and millipedes).
A homeowner can often control household pests through a combination of preventive measures, including proper sanitation and over-the-counter pesticides. However, some pest infestations may be extensive, or a particular pest may be difficult to control, requiring the services of a pest control operator (PCO). A PCO should be a homeowner's last resort to pest control, because both health and property can be damaged through the misuse of pesticides. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the PCO chosen is competent. Selecting a PCO should be like choosing any other service. When you are using pesticides, cost should not be the only factor that determines which PCO you use. Make sure that the PCO is licensed and insured by the State of Illinois. A good idea for choosing a PCO is to contact more than one PCO to be aware of the proper procedures and service you are getting as a homeowner.
Remember, innovative pest management solutions are recommended first, to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides. Children should not be involved with any preventive measures, but educated of the dangers that are involved with pest control.
Tickborne Disease Prevention & Control
Reducing exposure to ticks is the best defense against Lyme disease and other tickborne infections. There are several approaches you and your family can use to prevent and control Lyme disease.
- It is recommended that repellent, tick checks, and other simple measures to prevent tick bites are utilized regularly.
- Control ticks around your home and in your community by creating a "safe-tick zone."
- Ask your doctor if taking antibiotics after tick bite is right for you.
- Learn of the early signs of Lyme Disease.
- Learn what ticks look like (see diagram below).
Image showing appearance and relative sizes of adult male and female, nymph and larval ticks including deer ticks, Lone star ticks, and dog ticks
For more information, call 708-974-7121.