Sometimes it seems like every second person you talk to suffers from seasonal allergies. From pollen to dust mites, these cause a lot of daily allergy season pain and suffering. But did you know that cockroaches can also cause allergies?

That’s right. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a cockroach allergy is a common trigger of year-round allergy and asthma. Studies have found that this can be a complex problem for children with asthma that doesn’t just happen around allergy season.

In this post, we look at cockroach allergies, how you can avoid exposure to cockroaches in your home, and how Pest Control Unlimited can help rid your property of these germ-spreading, allergy-inducing insects this allergy season. 

What is a Cockroach Allergy and how to prevent roaches?

Studies have shown that cockroaches contain a protein that is an allergen for many people, meaning it causes an allergic immune reaction in our bodies. And what’s frightening is that a cockroach’s body parts, saliva, waste, and even dead bodies can cause these allergic reactions. 

What happens is the allergens from their droppings and body, called frass, become airborne when you sweep or vacuum. The frass then enters the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, and lungs, triggering an allergic reaction.

Your symptoms include all the typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy and red eyes, stuffy nose, itchy nose and throat, postnasal drip, and even itchy skin. 

And if it triggers your asthma, you’re in line for difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing when breathing, shortness of breath, and coughing or wheezing—the whole shebang.

So if these are all the same symptoms as seasonal allergies, how does a doctor know you are specifically suffering from a cockroach allergy? Often the sign is that you are suffering year-round with allergies, and of course, the presence of cockroaches in your home can be an indicator. Your doctor will more than likely recommend a skin prick test to find out if it’s these pesky insects causing your allergies. 

How Can You Avoid Exposure to Cockroaches?

Between 78 and 98% of homes in urban areas are apparently dealing with cockroaches. These pesky insects especially like a warmer climate too. And, they will invade anyone’s house, even if you consider yours to be of a Lysol clean standard. The problem can stem from your neighbors, your area, your street. You don’t always have complete control of these pests and how they get in. Experts say that if you see just one in your home, you can expect 1000 to be nearby, hiding in walls and cracks. 

Keeping your house clean

You can do a few things to keep your house clean and limit your exposure, and cockroach-proof your home.

  • Keep your kitchen free of crumbs and any food debris. This includes dirty dishes in the sink. 
  • Wipe your counters down after each mealtime with disinfectant.
  • Take out your trash regularly and ensure your outdoor trash receptacle is sealed.
  • Cardboard box food items should rather be stored in sealed containers.
  • Keep your pet food sealed up, too, and wash their bowls frequently.
  • Purchase a HEPA filter vacuum if possible, and vacuum regularly.
  • Keep your humidity levels at about 50 percent if possible, using a dehumidifier if necessary. 

DIY prevention around the house

Once you have put your cleaning measures in place, it’s time to get into some DIY and tidying around the house to prevent roaches from crawling in.

  • Caulk and seal all exterior cracks and holes in ground-level walls and around doors, windows, water pipes, and baseboards.
  • Remove rotting leaves from gutters and window wells.
  • Stop water leaks and lead overflow water away from the building.
  • Store firewood away from the house and lift it off the ground.
  • Cockroaches can hide in old boxes, recycling, and piles of papers; make sure to dump these.
  • Install mesh screens over windows, floor drains, and vents.

Of course, sometimes, no matter how clean you keep your home, these pests manage to find a way to thrive. They are persistent. If this is the case, leave it to the professionals to come in and treat the problem with professional methods. To get rid of the problem once and for all. 

Call The Professionals

Are you struggling with a cockroach infestation? Is allergy season getting the best of you? Contact Pest Control Unlimited LLF; we can inspect and treat the problem and prevent roaches as a licensed pest company. 

Nobody is more educated about infestation control than our expert team at Pest Control. We provide exceptional services and prevent roaches; that is what we are all about. All that we do is customized your home. Cockroach or rodent infestation? No problem, we listen to your concerns, study the situation carefully, and create a customized pest control approach. Our technicians are specialists in the latest safe pest control methods and practices.

We’re enthusiastic about serving you. And will do so with all the required COVID protocols in place. Whenever you need assistance, we’re only a phone call away to prevent roaches from ruining your day. Call us at 888-649-9919. Contact us today and start your residential pest services.