The main health threats from household pests are germs and asthma triggers from cockroaches, diseases spread through rodent droppings, urine and saliva, mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile, itchy bed bug bites that can cost you sleep, and flea-borne tapeworms that mostly affect pets and children. Saela Pest Control is a residential and commercial pest control company that treats all five of these pests. Below is what each pest can do to your health and the practical step that lowers the risk.
Cockroaches: germs on food surfaces and asthma triggers
Cockroaches can carry germs onto kitchen surfaces, and their droppings and body parts can trigger allergies and asthma. The University of California’s cockroach guide says German cockroaches are believed to be capable of transmitting organisms such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and coliform bacteria, and that indoor infestations are a risk factor for asthma in children. The same guide recommends removing food and water sources and sealing cracks, so store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills right away. When an infestation is established, Saela’s German cockroach treatment uses gel baits, crack-and-crevice applications, monitoring devices and a follow-up visit.
Rodents: diseases spread through droppings, urine and saliva
Mice and rats can spread diseases such as hantavirus, leptospirosis and salmonellosis through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites, and through food or air contaminated with their waste, according to the CDC’s rodent control guidance. Sealing the gaps they use matters as much as trapping, and Saela’s rodent exclusion service includes inspecting for access points, repairing openings and placing traps for rodents remaining inside. In a February 2024 Google review, kay mccallop reported that Saela identified rodent-prevention issues and repaired them that day.
Mosquitoes: West Nile virus and other infections
Mosquito bites can spread viruses, and the CDC’s West Nile virus overview says West Nile is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people don’t develop symptoms, but the CDC reports that each year more than 1,300 people develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, and risk increases with age, certain chronic medical conditions and a weakened immune system. No licensed vaccine or medicine prevents or treats West Nile virus disease in people, so preventing bites and emptying standing water are the practical defenses. Saela’s mosquito treatments mist resting sites such as shaded foliage and areas beneath porches.
Bed bugs: itchy bites, lost sleep and stress
Bed bugs have not been shown to spread disease, but the EPA’s bed bug health page notes that their bites can cause allergic reactions, secondary skin infections and mental health effects such as anxiety and insomnia. Reactions vary widely, from no visible mark to, in rare cases, a severe whole-body reaction. Because bed bugs hide in mattress seams, furniture and cracks, control usually takes more than one visit. Saela’s bed bug programs pair repeated treatments with laundering and vacuuming by the customer between visits.
Fleas: bites and tapeworms for pets and people
Fleas mainly feed on pets, and a swallowed flea can pass on the Dipylidium tapeworm. The CDC explains that people get this tapeworm the same way dogs and cats do, by swallowing an infected flea, and that most reported cases are in children. The CDC calls flea control the most effective prevention, along with veterinary treatment for pets with tapeworms and handwashing after playing with pets. Saela’s flea treatment uses an insect growth regulator to interfere with flea reproduction, with follow-up treatments and a search for indoor or outdoor sources.
Saela’s protocols come from Dennis Weiss, Saela’s board-certified entomologist, who also trains its technicians and audits service quality.
Saela quotes each property on pest type, location, property size, visit frequency and treatment products, so compare plan options on the pricing page and check which pests your plan covers.
If you’ve seen signs of any of these pests, book a call with Saela to schedule an inspection. Saela’s Orem, Utah headquarters showed an A+ rating and accreditation on its Better Business Bureau profile as of October 2026.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
