Covid-19 Alert: Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our team and our customers. Thousand Oaks Pest Control is still open for business, due to the global impact of COVID-19, we continue to follow government advice and have put in place the following measures.

04.2 - can pests cause allergies or asthma

Can Pests Cause Asthma or Allergies?

The spring is when Americans with allergies and asthma, who number over 100 million, are most active. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has declared May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month as a result.

Thousand Oaks Pest Control, your local pest, mosquito, and termite control expert, is participating by educating our customers about pests like cockroaches, dust mites, and mice that can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms inside their homes. We can also provide some tips on prevention.

Cockroaches and rodents are infamous for being unhygienic and disease-ridden. You might not be aware that they can also pose serious hazards to people’s lives. In reality, cockroach allergens can be found in 63% of American houses, and the bulk of these allergens are dispersed through cockroach saliva, feces, or exoskeletons that are shed during molting.

  • It is known that proteins in cockroach saliva, feces, dead bodies, and shed skins can trigger allergies and make asthma symptoms worse.
  • People, especially youngsters, are at risk for allergic and asthmatic reactions when there is a cockroach infestation. One in five American youngsters, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, were extremely sensitive to cockroach allergens.
  • Cockroaches are known to spread 33 different types of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, as well as six parasitic worms and more than seven other human diseases, according to the National Pest Management Association.
  • Some species of stinging insects, such as yellowjackets, wasps, bees, and fire ants, can cause severe reactions in people whose immune systems overreact to their venom. Symptoms include hives, shortness of breath, itching, and even anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.

Getting Rid of Pest-Related Allergies

In order to avoid allergies brought on by pests, you can take efforts to lessen your exposure to the allergens they create. The following actions are suggested by Thousand Oaks Pest Control:

  • Maintain cleanliness in your home: Clean it frequently to get rid of any potential allergens. Vacuum your carpets, rugs, and upholstery frequently to remove dust, pet dander, and insect debris. To keep your home clean and free of allergens, wash your bedding, stuffed animals, and curtains frequently in hot water. This will eliminate dust mites. You should frequently clean your pets’ bedding to reduce pet dander, a common allergen.
  • Check your home for any openings: Cracks, fissures, or openings that pests can use to enter, then cover those locations. cover entry points. Seal these entry holes to prevent pests from entering your home and reduce the possibility of being exposed to allergens.
  • Eliminate excess moisture: To keep pests like cockroaches and dust mites, as well as mold, at bay, keep your home dry and well-ventilated. In areas that are prone to excess moisture, like bathrooms or crawl spaces, dehumidifiers should be employed.
  • Use allergen-proof covers: Cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs to prevent dust mites from settling down and producing allergens.
  • Clean as you go: Clutter should be maintained to a minimum because it provides areas for dust to settle and bugs to hide. To avoid the buildup of allergies, cleanliness and organization are essential.
  • Use tight-fitting lids on your garbage cans and take out the trash as promptly as possible to avoid attracting pests like cockroaches. Use airtight storage.
  • Trim and prune plants: To maintain your yard neat and reduce outdoor pests, prune shrubs and trees away from your home. Eliminate any areas with food or water that may remain stagnant and attract insects.

Thousand Oaks Pest Control suggests that you talk to a doctor if you suspect that you could have a pest allergy. They can provide you with a precise diagnosis, counsel you, and provide appropriate allergy treatment strategies.

Call the dependable, kind pest treatment expert in California if your bug problem or allergies persist. We can assess the situation and provide effective, tailored pest treatment options. Until the next time, the extermination professionals at Thousand Oaks Pest Control appreciate your help in keeping unwanted pests from entering your home and yard.