Roaches and Allergies

March 20th, 2017

Cockroaches are some of the most hated pests by homeowners, and just the word “cockroaches” inspires most people to squirm. Unfortunately, cockroaches aren’t just unappealing, but they actually pose major allergy and asthma risks due to their saliva, droppings, and skin shedding. Unfortunately, the National Pest Management Association estimates that about 63 percent of U.S homes contain cockroach allergens, and that number soars to as high as 98 percent in urban areas. This means that nearly all Americans need to better understand cockroaches and their relation to allergies and asthma.

A Bit About Allergies

There are certain substances in the environment, like ragweed in the fall and pollen in the spring, that can trigger the immune system to act as if it is fighting off a foreign invader. When the immune system jumps to action like that, it creates histamines in the bloodstream that normally serve the important purpose of fighting off dangerous invaders. However, when it comes to triggers like pollen, ragweed, and yes, cockroach saliva, droppings, and skin, the body isn’t actually at risk, and the histamines instead create unpleasant reactions like coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing, and ear and sinus infections.

The Troublemakers

The German cockroach is the most troublesome in homes and is directly associated with causing asthma and allergy symptoms, The palmetto bug, though given an affectionate name by southerners, is actually the American cockroach and is nearly as troublesome as the German cockroach. Not all people will react to cockroach saliva, droppings, and skin with allergic reactions; a person’s level of sensitization to cockroach allergens, the infestation concentrations, and the quality of ventilation inside the home all play a role.

Keeping Cockroaches Out of Your Home

Keeping your home clean, sealing garbage cans, and quickly fixing leaks will all minimize how attractive your house is to cockroaches, but an infestation is still possible, especially since many cockroaches enter your home by crawling under the door or latching onto grocery bags and boxes. Only a professional pest control company can properly identify and remove cockroach populations from your home. Green Solutions Lawn Care and Pest Control in Tampa, Florida specializes in safe, family-friendly pest removal that will keep your home comfortable and free from cockroaches. With the help of Green Solutions Lawn Care and Pest Control, though pollen and ragweed might still make you sneeze, cockroach allergens certainly will not!