Spring is a peak season for the more than 100 million Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma. It’s why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has declared May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
Clark, your friendly pest, mosquito, and termite control – and grounds care – expert, is participating by educating our customers about pests like cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents, which can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms inside their homes. We also have a few prevention tips to share.
Everyone knows that cockroaches and rodents are filthy and germ ridden. However, you may not be aware that they also can pose serious and sometimes life-threatening risks to humans. In fact, 63 percent of American homes contain allergens from cockroaches, most of which are introduced through cockroach saliva, droppings, or exoskeletons cast off through molting.
- Cockroach saliva and droppings, and their decomposing bodies and shed skins, contain proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma symptoms.
- Children are especially at risk for suffering allergic and asthmatic reactions to cockroach infestations. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that one in five children in the United States have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens.
- According to the National Pest Management Association, cockroaches spread 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, along with six parasitic worms and over seven other types of pathogens that affect humans.
Certain species of stinging insects, such as yellowjackets, wasps, bees, and fire ants, can cause serious reactions in people whose immune systems overreact to the venom. Symptoms can include itching, hives, shortness of breath, and even anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal severe allergic reaction.
Preventing pest-related allergies
To prevent allergies related to pests, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to allergens produced by pests. Here are some measures that Clark Pest Control recommends:
Keep your living space clean: Regularly clean your home to eliminate potential allergens. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery frequently to remove dust, pet dander, and pest debris.
Maintain good hygiene: Wash your bedding, curtains, and stuffed toys regularly in hot water to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Clean your pets and their bedding frequently to minimize pet dander, a common allergen.
Seal pest entry points: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings that pests can use to enter. Seal these entry points to prevent pests from entering your living space, and to reduce potential allergen exposure.
Eliminate excess moisture: Keep your home dry and well-ventilated to discourage such pests as dust mites and cockroaches, along with mold. Use dehumidifiers in areas prone to excess moisture, such as crawlspaces or bathrooms.
Use allergen-proof covers: Encase your pillows, mattresses, and box springs in allergen-proof covers to prevent dust mites from colonizing and producing allergens.
Avoid clutter: Minimize clutter in your home, as clutter provides hiding sites for pests and places for dust to collect. Keeping a clean and organized environment helps reduce allergen buildup.
Take out the trash: Dispose of garbage promptly, and make sure that your trash cans have tight-fitting lids to prevent attracting pests like cockroaches.
Control outdoor pests: Keep your yard well-maintained by trimming shrubs and trees away from your home. Remove standing water and eliminate sources of food that may attract pests.
Clark Pest Control recommends that you consult with a medical professional if you suspect you have allergies to pests. They can provide you with accurate diagnosis and guidance and can recommend appropriate allergy management strategies.
Call California’s trusted, friendly pest control expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com if your pest problem or allergies persist. We can assess the situation and provide effective pest management solutions tailored to your needs.
Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keeping unwanted pests out of your home and yard.