Authorities say health-related pest problems are on the rise for many reasons.
Dr. Phil Koehler, entomology professor, University of Florida, says many of the pests American consumers contend with today are species or exposures imported from other countries, largely from air travel. Goddard says the increase in Lyme disease can be linked to building homes in wooded areas and even tick bites in parks near cities. Pest problems are not limited to diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Consumers must also contend with insects that bite or sting, including ants, bees, poisonous spiders, flies, hornets and wasps. Other insects, such as fleas, lice, mites, cockroaches and beetles, can aggravate skin disorders or allergies and infest food supplies.