A History of Pest Control London-00-248

The Bubonic Plague... does it still exist?

Only in 2002, people around the world went into a panic as it was reported that 2 people had been hospitalised in New York City as they had caught the bubonic plague, or as it is better known, The Black Death.
The Black Death epidemic killed millions of people across Europe in the Middle Ages so the news that 2 people had caught the same disease in the 21st century sparked panic. However, the New York City health commissioner had to reassure New Yorkers & the world that no plague epidemic was occurring and that the disease would not be spread from person to person, as it did in London many years ago.

How is it spread?

The Black Death is famous for the way it was spread throughout the streets of London, namely through rodents such as mice & rats. The rodents in London carried the infection with them, and passed the disease onto fleas that would then carry the infection to humans with disastrous effects.

Does it still occur in the world?

Although pest control in London is not as severe or dramatic as it was in the Middle Ages, there is no doubt that rats & mice still carry diseases and are a real pest to homes & businesses.

Why would you Pest Control in London today?

Pests cause damage
Pests cause fear
Pests contaminate products
Pests upset work procedures
Pests cause disease
Pests can lead to prosecution
Pests cause loss of goodwill

Believe it or not, it is recorded that there are 1,000 to 3,000 cases of bubonic plague worldwide each year. People in London may not have heard of these breakouts because they tend to happen in 3rd world countries, such as Southwest and Southeast Asia, Madagascar, southern and eastern Africa, the Andes Mountains and Brazil.

How is it treated?

In today's world we are fortunate enough that there is a vaccination available for people working in or travelling to plague-affected areas of the world.

Treatment of bubonic plague should begin as soon as the disease is diagnosed. Antibiotics, such as streptomycin or tetracycline, are given and symptoms are treated.

Can it be prevented?

The "Black Death" of the Middle Ages was due to large numbers of flea-ridden rats infesting homes and workplaces. In most developed countries, cities and towns such as London, we have successfully controlled their rat populations, but rural and urban areas of developing countries often have problems with rat infestation, and thus are at risk of bubonic plague epidemics. Therefore, reducing the risk of plague outbreaks in these areas would require:

Professional pest control london
Controlling the rat & mice population
Watching for plague cases in both rats and humans in the area
Using insecticide to reduce the number of fleas
Treating pets for fleas

Using these measures, public health workers and residents can help make areas threatened by bubonic plague safe for the people who live and work there.

If you need help with Pest Control London, contact Crystalkil for our Pest Control Services.