Household Pests That Trigger Asthma and Allergies

May 24, 2018   |   Cockroaches

May is designated as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) each year. While most of us are familiar with allergy and asthma triggers such as pollen, molds, and pet dander, other sources of common allergens may also be present in our homes, including household pests such as cockroaches. Other pests, such as some stinging insects, can cause serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions.

According to the AAFA, cockroach allergies are common triggers of year-round symptoms. These pests have proteins in their body parts, waste, and saliva to which some people are allergic, and even dead cockroaches can cause a reaction.

Those with cockroach allergies may have these symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose and sneezing
• Watery, red, or itchy eyes
• Coughing
• Skin rashes
• Itchy throat, mouth, or nose

If you have asthma triggered by a cockroach allergy, you may have these symptoms in addition to those above:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• A wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling
• Interrupted sleep due to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

How to reduce the threat of allergens.

Taking certain measures in and around your home and having your home treated by pest control professionals can help reduce the threat of allergens. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Turner Pest Control recommend that homeowners take these steps:

• In the kitchen: Keep the kitchen floor and countertops free of crumbs and spills. Store food in tightly sealed containers and check cabinets and crevices around appliances for crumbs. Regularly dispose of garbage, and check paper and cardboard food containers for signs of bugs.
• Throughout your home’s interior: Cockroaches and other pests come inside for water, so make sure there are no plumbing leaks or drippy faucets. Wipe sinks dry at the end of the day and check under sink cabinets for moisture. And don’t forget your pet’s food and water bowls: Empty and dry them each night.
• Outdoors: Regularly check your home’s exterior for cracks and holes around entry points such as doors, windows, and where pipes or other utilities come into your home. Make sure outdoor garbage cans are sealed well.

How Turner Pest Control can help.

Turner Pest Control’s technicians can take care of any immediate pest problems you see, and provide recurring service that prevents pests from coming back.

Indoors, we carefully apply the most effective, environmentally friendly products at each point where pests may come in. After the initial visit to treat the interior, our quarterly recurring service includes treatments around doors and windows, and clear away nests that may be harboring dangerous stinging insects.

If you or someone in your household has allergy problems or asthma, call us to take care of your pest problems. We offer free, no-obligation inspections and estimates, and base your price on the size of your home. Contact us online or call 904-355-5300 today!