Indoor Pests Triggering Allergy Symptoms

Many of us struggle with seasonal allergies throughout the entire year around Dayton. Allergies and asthma triggers are so bad here that locals often refer to the area as “Sinus Valley”.

An uncomfortable truth that many people don’t realize is that indoor pests could actually be contributing to our allergy and asthma symptoms, including runny noses, itchy eyes, and coughing.

Our increased time at home in the colder, winter months means it’s important we keep our homes pest-free. Living with certain pests like rodents, cockroaches, and dust mites can negatively impact the health of you and your family (including your pets). This is especially true if anyone in your household already suffers from regular allergies or asthma. Here is more information about indoor pests triggering allergy symptoms and what you can do as a homeowner to prevent them. 

Cockroaches

Certain proteins found in cockroach feces, saliva, and their body parts can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms, especially in people who have compromised immune systems and children.

To prevent a cockroach infestation, it’s important to be diligent when it comes to exterior home maintenance. Leaky pipes should be repaired immediately to prevent a water source for roaches. Seal any cracks or crevices that could be potential entry points for roaches.

Inside, crumbs and kitchen spills should be cleaned immediately to avoid creating a roach buffet. Make sure to check for them in dark, damp areas, such as under the sink or in the back of cupboards.

Rodents

Droppings and dander from rodents like mice and rats can also trigger allergy symptoms. As with cockroaches, you should look around your home and seal up gaps and cracks that allow rodents to enter your house during the fall and winter months. Pay special attention to where your outdoor based utilities enter into your home as those create easy paths for rodents to follow inside. 

You should also be sure to keep all food stored in airtight containers. Clean up any food or crumbs that may have been spilled to prevent easy access to food sources for mice, rats, and other rodents.

Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your floors and furniture can also help reduce the amount of animal dander present around your home.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are one of the most common triggers of asthma. Studies have shown that about 50-80% of asthmatics show more severe symptoms when they live amongst dust mites in their homes. Additionally, dust mites are the most common cause of indoor pests triggering allergy symptoms. Removing dust mites from the home is an important part of controlling asthma symptoms and reducing asthma-related flare-ups, especially in the winter months.

Dust mites shed their skins and droppings, which can be severe allergens that cause respiratory problems. To combat this, it’s important to vacuum your home at least once a week. Regularly clean and change your bedding and use covers on your mattress and pillows, which will help reduce these triggers. You can also as well as air filters in your home, to help reduce the number of dust mites in your environment.

For more information about protecting your home and family from unwanted pests, contact go2-pros extermination.