(NAPSA)—What do heights, public speaking, death and pests have in common? Apart from having combined potential for a sci-fi blockbuster, these elements represent some of man’s greatest fears. Most fears are associated with failure or unhappiness. But what constitutes the extreme dread of insects, known as entomophobia, or that of spiders, known as arachnophobia? The spider’s bite? The wasp’s sting? The cockroach’s appearance? Estimates indicate that nearly 10 percent of the United States population suffers from entomophobia alone, according to the Entomological Society of America. While it is not contagious, most entomologists, or scientists who study insects, agree that entomophobia, along with the general fear of pests, is learned behavior. While most pests do not pose a serious threat to humans, several can be dangerousor frightening— and, according to Orkin, Inc., there’s good reason. Spiders inflict painful bites. The brown recluse and black widow spiders are the most dangerous, causing pain and some- times death. * Cockroaches can contaminate food, cause asthma and, according to the World Health Organization, transmit such diseases as dysentery, cholera and typhoid fever. Ticks have an unsavory reputation as disease-carriers trans- mitting Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and encephalitis. * Mosquitoes inflict uncomfortable bites and can transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), malaria, yellow fever and encephalitis. WNV alone infected 9,136 people from 45 states in 2003, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. * House flies, more loathed than feared, are the mostprolific spreaders of disease in the a world, helping kill millions of people annually through the spread of typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery. Fire ants, among all types of ants, cause the most harm in the United States with painful stings and crop devastation. Flying/Stinging insects inflict painful stings. In fact, the Ameri- can Academyof Allergy, Asthma and Immunology notes that stinging insects send 500,000 people to hospitals each year. “Insects play an important role in the environment; many are beneficial,” said Paul Bello, Technical Director and entomologist for Orkin. “However, it’s important to know the dangers associated with certain pests and how to prevent them from jeopardizing one’s health, homeor property.” Tips for preventing unwanted pests from homes and businesses include fitting screens properly and tightening seals on doors and windows, cleaning thoroughly and frequently, caulking cracks and most importantly, contacting a pest control professional for advice and service regarding pest concerns. For more information regarding pests, or to receive a free home inspection, call 1-800-800-ORKIN or visit www.Orkin.com.
