Ahead of this weekend’s World Mental Health Day, BPCA has called for people to protect their families, homes and wellbeing, advising anyone who spots signs of pest activity to seek help from a BPCA member and contact mental health charity Mind for support where needed.
Pest infestations can cause depression, anxiety, feelings of shame and social isolation, according to the independent No Small Matter report, commissioned by BPCA, which found people living with an infestation reported suffering from severe anxiety and chronic sleep deprivation, sometimes missing days of work or school due to exhaustion.
The report also cites a study which found households with cockroach infestations are 2.9 times more likely to have high depressive symptoms, with that rate rising to 5.1 for households experiencing problems with cockroaches and mice.
Natalie Bungay, head of technical at BPCA, said: “Infestations can become overwhelming and deeply personal, turning what should be a safe and comfortable living space into a constant source of stress.
“Pests may contaminate food and food preparation areas bringing a risk of disease, while some species will bite or sting, and others can make disruptive noises as they move around the house.
“People often feel a sense of shame, or concern about being judged if they discover a pest presence in their home, but it is vital to overcome that and seek help from a BPCA member as soon as possible.
“A quicker resolution is much more likely in cases where intervention happens before an infestation can become well established.”
Mind provides life-saving information, support and advice through its network of local branches, helplines and online resources. The charity also campaigns to improve services, challenge stigma and make mental health a priority.
Very rarely, people can suffer a mental health condition known as delusional parasitosis, which manifests as a firm belief that they have a persistent itch due to an infestation of insects, usually on the skin.
Ms Bungay added: “Delusional parasitosis (DP) is an extremely rare condition which can be incredibly distressing as the sufferer believes insects are on their body and can become agitated if pest professionals and medical experts are unable to find evidence that supports their belief.
“Living with a pest infestation can have severe mental health implications, so it is important to take quick action and consult a BPCA member who will have the training, experience and tools to deal with the issue as quickly, safely and effectively as possible.”
