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Time Business News
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Pest Control and Your Health: What's Really at Stake Inside Your Home
Home is where we go to relax, recharge, and feel safe. But what if that sanctuary is silently affecting your health? Most people associate pest problems with damaged property, spoiled food, or unpleasant sightings. But fewer consider the real health risks these unwanted intruders can bring with them—risks that linger in the air you breathe, the surfaces you touch, and the quality of life you expect inside your walls. The truth is, pests do more than nibble at wood or chew through pantry boxes. They carry allergens, spread bacteria, and can trigger respiratory or immune responses in sensitive individuals. From termites compromising air quality to rodents introducing pathogens, pest presence is more than just a nuisance—it's a potential health hazard. In this article, we'll explore how pests impact your physical environment, the hidden health effects they can cause, and why proper pest control isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting your well-being. Modern homes are sealed tighter than ever to improve energy efficiency. While this helps keep conditioned air inside, it also means that contaminants—once introduced—have a harder time escaping. Pests contribute directly to indoor pollution, often without your knowledge. Allergens from pest droppings, saliva, and shed skin Airborne particles from decomposing insects Bacterial spread through contaminated surfaces Structural decay that leads to mold growth or dust exposure All of these issues worsen with time. Without a proactive pest control strategy in place, health risks can build invisibly, making regular maintenance and monitoring essential. Rodents are more than pantry raiders—they are known carriers of dozens of viruses and bacteria. They defecate and urinate in hidden areas like attics, crawlspaces, and behind appliances. As their waste dries, particles can become airborne and enter ventilation systems. Some of the common health problems associated with rodents include: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): A serious respiratory illness linked to deer mice droppings A serious respiratory illness linked to deer mice droppings Salmonella: Spread when surfaces are contaminated by rodents moving through food storage areas Spread when surfaces are contaminated by rodents moving through food storage areas Asthma aggravation: Especially in children and older adults sensitive to air quality changes Once rodents have accessed insulation or ducts, they leave behind traces that can affect indoor air for months, even after removal. Proper exclusion, cleaning, and pest control are essential to restoring healthy indoor conditions. Many insects contribute to poor indoor health not through direct stings or bites, but through allergenic materials. Cockroaches, for example, shed skin and leave droppings that contain potent allergens. These particles accumulate in carpeting, upholstery, and HVAC filters. For families with children, the risk is heightened. Studies have shown a direct link between cockroach allergens and the development or worsening of asthma in children, particularly in urban or high-humidity environments. Ants and flies, meanwhile, may carry pathogens from one surface to another. A fly that lands on pet waste outside can later contaminate a kitchen counter. Ants foraging through garbage may track bacteria into food prep areas. This ongoing exposure reinforces the importance of pest control as part of a broader hygiene and wellness strategy—not just when problems are obvious, but as a consistent form of protection. Termites are not typically linked with disease, but they do indirectly impact health through structural decay. As they consume wood, they create air pockets, hollow walls, and weaken supports. Over time, this damage can: Increase humidity levels in certain rooms Create conditions ideal for mold and mildew Compromise flooring or ceilings, raising the risk of injury Fungal spores from mold are known to trigger allergic reactions, respiratory distress, and sinus issues, particularly in homes where ventilation is poor or where wood has remained damp due to hidden termite activity. Termite control isn't only about saving the physical structure—it's about preventing the secondary effects that arise from rotted wood, moist conditions, and the microbial life that follows. Pest problems don't just impact physical health—they can affect mental well-being, too. The constant stress of hearing scurrying in the walls, spotting insect droppings, or worrying about bites can lead to heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep, and even shame around inviting guests over. This emotional toll can reduce overall quality of life, especially for those dealing with recurring or difficult infestations. The presence of pests becomes a source of daily vigilance, requiring constant attention to food storage, cleanliness, and surveillance. Professionals like CURA Termite & Pest Control understand that pest removal is only part of the equation. Restoring peace of mind and confidence in your space is equally important. Just as people take preventive steps like routine dental checkups or annual physicals, homes need regular attention to stay healthy. Pest control plays a parallel role: minimizing risks before symptoms arise. An effective health-centered pest management plan may include: Quarterly or seasonal inspections based on regional risk factors Safe, non-intrusive treatments tailored to pets and children Monitoring tools like bait stations or moisture meters Repair recommendations for sealing gaps, leaks, and other entry points These actions help break the pest life cycle while minimizing chemical use, creating a long-term strategy that safeguards both property and people. While professional pest control is essential, homeowners can take everyday steps to support a healthier environment: Ventilation : Use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture buildup : Use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture buildup Sanitation : Clean food crumbs promptly, seal pantry goods, and remove trash daily : Clean food crumbs promptly, seal pantry goods, and remove trash daily Decluttering : Reduce hiding spots by organizing storage and sealing boxes : Reduce hiding spots by organizing storage and sealing boxes Home repairs: Patch cracks, seal entry points, and fix leaks quickly These practices not only discourage pests from settling in—they also reduce the allergens and contaminants that may already be circulating. Pests don't just damage homes—they challenge our health, our comfort, and our peace of mind. From bacteria-laden surfaces to allergens that inflame asthma, the consequences of ignoring pest activity reach far beyond the obvious. By taking a proactive, health-focused approach to pest control, homeowners can protect both the structure of their homes and the well-being of those who live inside. With consistent care and guidance from trusted professionals like CURA Termite & Pest Control, it's possible to reclaim your space—not just from pests, but from the stress and health risks they leave behind. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Autopsy of Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa confirms she was killed by rat-borne virus
Harrowing new details have emerged from Gene Hackman 's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus. Legendary actor Hackman, 95, and classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead and partially mummified in their Santa Fe mansion on February 26, 2025. After much speculation, it was revealed Arakawa had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in their bathroom days before Hackman passed. Arakawa also had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body at the time of her death, according to the autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press. Arakawa tested negative for covid and the flu and showed no signs of trauma. She tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs, and her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range. The final autopsy results for Hackman detailed the beloved Oscar winning actor's extensive medical history two months after he and his wife were found dead inside their home. Hackman had 'a 'history of congestive heart failure' and 'severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys,' Fox reported, citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. He had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' since April 2019 and 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's,' according to the autopsy. 'Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,' the documents stated. 'Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer's disease.' Hackman tested negative for hantavirus. Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the rare but deadly virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65. A report obtained by indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to covid and flu prior to her death. 'Testing for carbon monoxide was less than 5 per cent saturation, in keeping with a normal range,' the medical examiner noted. Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of 'diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis.' Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple's home alone after his wife's death. Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died. The actor died nearly a week later around February 18, from severe heart disease, while Alzheimer's and kidney disease were contributing factors. A week after the bodies were discovered, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted a health assessment on the property. The department concluded that dead rodents and their nests were found in 'eight detached outbuildings' on the Hackman property, making it a 'breeding ground' for the hantavirus. The deadly hantavirus typically spreads through rodent urine and droppings that one may come into contact with when cleaning a basement or an attic. There were droppings found in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds on the property. Additionally, there was a live rodent, a dead rodent and a rodent nest found in three more garages on the property, according to the inspectors. There were also two vehicles seen on the estate that had evidence of rodents, and they even found traps in the buildings as well, suggesting this had been an ongoing issue for the Hackmans. The health assessment was conducted to assess whether first responders or others who were on the property were safe from the virus. Cops who combed their home following the gruesome discovery shared bodycam footage which captured how the couple's other heartbroken dog watched over Betsy's lifeless body as it lay surrounded by clutter. A series of heartbreaking notes were also found dotted around the house, each exchanged between the couple and showing their affection for one another until the end. Photos of their adored German Shepherds also adorned tables and sideboards, with smiling pictures of the couple with their old pets dating back years.
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chilling new detail in Gene Hackman wife's autopsy after she was killed by rat-borne virus
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26 and it emerged the pianist had Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Harrowing new details have emerged following Gene Hackman's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus. The autopsy has found the concert pianist had fluid accumulation in her chest, and her lungs were heavy and congested. The 65-year-old musician's vessels, which supplied blood to the heart and body, had become hardened, the report released on Tuesday showed. She and her 95-year-old husband were discovered dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico in February. It has since emerged Ms Hackman had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - an unpleasant rat-borne virus - in their bathroom days before her husband had passed. Now the new detail about the woman's lungs and vessels has been disclosed by authorities following analysis of the autopsy. The pianist, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, was exposed to rat droppings in the couple's garage and outhouses, it is understood. Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent faeces. READ MORE: Gene Hackman and wife Betsy's haunting final days in squalor from love notes to dog's brave act Ms Hackman tested negative for COVID-19 and flu, and showed no signs of trauma, the autopsy report said. Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs. Her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range. Her husband, the legendary actor, had "a history of congestive heart failure" and "severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys," Fox reported, citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. He had a "bi-ventricular pacemaker" since April 2019 and "neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease," according to the autopsy. "Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement," the recent documents stated. "Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer's disease." But Mr Hackman, who won three Golden Globe Awards including 1993's Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role in Unforgiven, tested negative for Hantavirus. It cannot be spread between people. His wife died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by Hantavirus, police in New Mexico said. However, Mr Hackman may not have ever realised his partner had died, due to the advanced nature of his Alzheimer's disease. The tragic couple tied the knot in December 1991, seven years after the first started dating. Mr Hackman, who played Lex Luthor in three Superman films, was married to Faye Maltese until their divorce in the late 1980s.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Harrowing new detail in Gene Hackman wife's autopsy revealed after she was killed by rat-borne virus
Harrowing new details have emerged from Gene Hackman 's wife's autopsy after she died from a rat-borne virus. Legendary actor Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead and partially mummified in their Santa Fe mansion on February 26 2025. After much speculation, it was revealed Arakawa had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in their bathroom days before Hackman passed. Per her autopsy report, Arakawa had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body at the time of her death.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
California hotel worker dies from the same rare rodent disease that killed Gene Hackman's wife
A 26 year old man, who worked in a hotel in California has died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome complication, the same disease that killed Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He was found dead in his home on March 6. The death of the young worker comes days after the death of Gene Hackman and his wife. According to medical investigators, Arakawa had died due to the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. She had died a week before her husband. According to DailyMail, the hotel worker, who was also a ski enthusiast, "felt sick for about two weeks, even going to the hospital to get antibiotics the night before he died." What is hantavirus? Hantavirus was first recognized in the early 1990s in the United States, though it had been causing illness in other parts of the world much earlier. The particular strain that tends to cause severe illness in North and South America is known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), while different strains in Europe and Asia can lead to Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). It is a rare but potentially deadly virus that humans can contract through contact with infected rodents, specifically their urine, droppings, or saliva. Hantavirus infection can escalate quickly In the case of HPS, the symptoms can start off feeling very flu-like — fever, fatigue, muscle aches — especially in large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, and back. Some people also report headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, or abdominal pain. What makes hantavirus particularly dangerous is how quickly it can escalate. Within a few days, patients can experience coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Without rapid medical treatment, this stage can become fatal. The mortality rate for HPS is alarmingly high, hovering around 38%, mainly because the virus moves fast and can overwhelm the body before help arrives. The virus is carried primarily by wild rodents. These animals don't get sick themselves but can shed the virus in their droppings, urine, and saliva. Humans typically get infected when they breathe in tiny particles containing the virus — something that can happen when cleaning out old sheds, cabins, or barns that have been left untouched for a long time. Disturbing rodent nests or sweeping up droppings without proper protection is a major risk factor. That's why health experts strongly advise wearing gloves and masks, and wetting down areas with disinfectant before cleaning, to reduce the chance of inhaling infected dust. How a Mysterious Virus Killed Gene Hackman's 'Fit' Wife; The Truth About Silent Killer Hantavirus
