Although most people associate allergies with pollen and pet dander, common household pests are also a major source of allergies and asthma. Pests like cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents cause millions of people to suffer from year-round allergies. In fact, cockroaches and dust mites are considered one of the most common causes of year-round allergies and asthma.
Pest-related allergy and asthma symptoms are very similar to those of seasonal allergies and the common cold. Therefore, it can be difficult to even be aware that you’re suffering from pest allergies. One main clue is when your symptoms last for weeks, months, or even year-round.
Symptoms are prolonged with pest allergies because the allergens remain present in your home. Ending your pest-related allergies is possible! Follow along to learn more about these allergies and how to deal with them.
Cockroach Allergies
Cockroaches really are the worst, aren’t they? Not only are they filthy, fast-breeding, sneaky disease carriers—-they cause severe allergies too! Yes, it’s true. Within their nasty little bodies, roaches contain a protein that is an allergen for many people. The saliva, waste, and body parts of cockroaches (whether dead or alive) are all allergens.
The allergens within and left behind by cockroaches can cause allergy and asthma symptoms. These allergy symptoms are miserable to live with, but, unfortunately, roach allergens can also induce severe asthma attacks for people living with asthma.
And these allergens are a serious cause for concern even for people without pre-existing asthma. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), “1 in 5 American children have severe sensitivity to cockroach allergens.”
The NPMA also reports that “63% of American homes contain allergens from the saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies of cockroaches. That number increases to 78-98% of homes in urban areas.”
For that reason, we all need to be aware of the potential dangers that cockroaches pose and do our best to avoid exposure to them.
Unfortunately, cockroach allergies continue year-round for many people because the exposure to the allergens remains constant in their homes. These symptoms mimic those of the common cold and seasonal allergies, so many people continue suffering, unaware that their illness’s actual cause is cockroach allergens.
Common cockroach allergy symptoms:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Itchy or sore throat
- Skin rash
- For people with asthma, these symptoms can also include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness
Dust Mite Allergies
Dust mites are another common household insect-like pest. However, what sets dust mites apart from the rest is that they’re so tiny that it is almost impossible to see them with the naked eye. And unfortunately, their minuscule size makes it very difficult for the millions of Americans who are allergic to dust mites to realize that these pests cause their chronic allergies.
Both the body parts and the waste of dust mites (whether dead or alive) contain a protein that is an allergen for many people. In fact, dust mites are considered one of the most common triggers of year-round allergies and asthma.
Gross fact warning** Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells we shed (blech!!). Unluckily for us, we drop dead skin cells all the time and all over our homes. So although these nasty little guys will congregate in areas like our bed or couch, they can still be found all over our homes.
Common dust mite allergy symptoms include:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Itchy or sore throat
- Skin rash
- For people with asthma, these symptoms can also include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness
Rodent Allergies
Whether you choose to have pets such as mice or guinea pigs or you have an unfortunate infestation of rats or mice, you should be aware that rodents can trigger allergic reactions. The saliva, waste, and hair of rodents contain a protein that is an allergen for many people. Unfortunately, just like insect pests, rodents are also known to trigger asthma attacks.
Whether you realize it or not, rodent allergens are very likely to be present in your home. In fact, according to the NPMA, “82% of American homes contain allergens from mice droppings. That number increases to 78% – 98% of homes in urban areas.”
Common rodent allergy symptoms:
- Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
- Coughing or wheezing
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Itchy skin
- Nausea
- For people with asthma, these symptoms can also include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness
How to deal with pest-related allergies
Check out our blog for some more great tips for summer pest control.
Keep your home clean and sealed.
The number one reason any pests enter our homes is to gain access to food, water, and shelter. By keeping your home clean and airtight, pests will have no interest in fighting to get in.
Your first step should be to inspect your home’s interior and exterior for any gaps, holes, cracks, or openings that shouldn’t be there. Pests can fit through shockingly small spaces, so every crevice counts. Once you find them, just simply repair the cracks, fix any door or window gaps, and seal up any other openings.
Once the exterior is sealed, you’ll need to take a meticulous look around the inside of your home. It’s pretty challenging for a homeowner to keep their home perfectly clean, but you’ll certainly want to try your best. Keep floors, furniture, and surfaces clean, and be sure to empty your trash regularly.
Keeping a clean home is the first line of defense against pests.
Regular pest control services.
Not only does hiring a professional pest control service offer the best protection from pests, but it also provides peace of mind. Without the watchful eye of a pest control service, your family is undoubtedly at a higher risk of suffering from pest-related allergens.
With the friendly, professional, and guaranteed pest control services of Gecko Green, all of your pest issues will be behind you and stay behind you.
Dealing with dust mites.
As we mentioned earlier, dealing with dust mites can be a challenge…they’re tiny and numerous! If you’re suffering from dust mite allergies, there are a few tips that have been shown to help limit your exposure and kill a few off at the same time:
- Cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers
- Wash your sheets, rugs, and anything dust mites could be on with the hottest setting
- Vacuum at least once a week using a HEPA vacuum
- Eliminate all areas of clutter
- Hire a pest control service
Speak with your doctor about treatment.
If you are suffering from pest-related allergies, you should talk to your doctor. When pests are involved, allergy and asthma symptoms can become chronic and last year-round. Some over-the-counter medicines may reduce pest-related allergy symptoms, but a doctor will be able to properly advise you on any treatment or prescription medications.
Your doctor may be able to diagnose your pest-related allergy using a skin or blood allergy test. Once the issue is officially diagnosed, you can get treatments to improve your health and treatments to rid your home of pests.
Gecko Green’s Pest Control Program
Do you want to protect your home and family from pests? Let Gecko Green help fortify your home with our complete Preventative Pest Control Program. We are so confident in our program that we guarantee if the pests come back, so do we! To keep your home & family safe year-round, let the local pest control experts at Gecko Green help.
