By Jonathan Boyar A.C.E., Principal of Ecologic Entomology LLC
We don’t often talk about it, but pest infestations are more than just a nuisance—they’re a health crisis hiding in plain sight. When roaches scatter across a kitchen floor or mice scurry behind the drywall, most people think about disgust or property damage. But in my line of work, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply these infestations impact human health—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Let’s start with the obvious: asthma and allergies. Cockroach allergens are a leading trigger for asthma attacks, especially in children. Their droppings, saliva, and shed body parts become airborne and get inhaled. Same goes for mice and rats—their urine and dander contaminate the air and surfaces, turning homes and offices into sick buildings for anyone with respiratory issues. I’ve seen people hospitalized after years of unknowingly breathing in allergens from a hidden infestation. And yet, they often have no idea pests are the root of their chronic symptoms.
But the damage isn’t just physical. Pest infestations bring an invisible cloud of stress and fear. I’ve walked into homes where families haven’t slept well in weeks because they hear scratching in the walls or fear bed bugs in their bedrooms. I’ve seen grown adults break down in tears—embarrassed, scared, exhausted—because their sanctuary no longer feels safe. At work, employees lose focus, morale dips, and sick days pile up. All because of an unseen invader that undermines our peace of mind.
Then there are the lesser-known illnesses. People don’t always associate pests with gastrointestinal problems, but they should. Flies and roaches carry pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. I’ve been called in after people got violently sick from contaminated food or surfaces—and they never connected it to the roaches hiding behind the fridge or in the cabinets. Rodents, too, carry bacteria and parasites that can trigger long-term health issues. Even bed bugs, which aren’t known to transmit disease, leave behind psychological trauma and insomnia that can spiral into serious mental health problems.
We have to stop thinking of pest control as just a cosmetic fix. This is about health. About safety. About dignity. Homes and workplaces are where we’re supposed to thrive—not where we quietly suffer from preventable illnesses caused by a problem that can be solved with education, vigilance, and professional intervention.
At Ecologic Entomology, our mission is rooted in this truth: pest control isn’t just about killing bugs—it’s about restoring health, confidence, and peace of mind. Because everyone deserves to live and work in an environment that’s clean, safe, and truly healthy.