Safety First PSA

The health and wellbeing of our family is paramount. We take steps every day to protect our ourselves and our loved ones, such as buckling seatbelts, wearing helmets when riding bikes, tying our shoes to make sure we don't trip, applying sunscreen before spending time outdoors and even checking smoke detectors on a regular basis. If we're doing all of these things to maintain a safe environment, we should also make sure that pest prevention is not overlooked.

Common pests found in our homes and yards can have harmful effects upon our health. Many of us don't often think of pests as a health threat and, therefore, we may be unaware of the dangers they pose in the areas where we live, work and play. Ticks hiding in tall grass can spread germs that cause serious illnesses such as Lyme disease. Mosquitoes lay eggs near standing water around our homes and can transmit West Nile virus and Zika virus. Mice searching for food and water in our homes can spread harmful bacteria and disease. Cockroaches can leave behind allergens that trigger asthma attacks.

The National Pest Management Association, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, produced 30- and 60-second public service announcements to spread awareness about the importance of protecting our family from pest health threats. Watch the spots below.