May is one of the hardest months for people who suffer from allergies. That is why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) designated May of 2018 as Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month. They used this as an opportunity to educate patients, families, friends, co-workers, and others about the diseases and triggers associated with asthma and allergies. According to AAFA, more than 24.5 million Americans suffer from Asthma and over 50 million are afflicted by allergies. One of the triggers for these tormenting and sometimes deadly, conditions is exposure to cockroaches.
While May is behind us, the influence of cockroaches is not. Summer is when cockroaches are most active. And when cockroaches are active, they shed their skins and leave their droppings everywhere they go. If they do this in air ducts and air conditioning units, which they are prone to infest, allergens can become airborne within a home or business.
Urban studies have shown a startling rise in asthmatic symptoms in cockroach-infested homes, with children being particularly susceptible to cockroach-related allergens. Cockroaches are rampant in urban centers. Most people don’t understand how bad the problem really is because cockroaches are secretive insects. They will rarely show themselves unless populations are high or resources are extremely low. That means a sighting of one or two cockroaches a week is a strong indication that there are hundreds, or even thousands, of roaches in the walls.
Cockroaches also spread allergens through their saliva. When they crawl on the skin or take a drink from the mouth of a sleeping person, which they commonly do, their saliva can cause an itchy rash to develop.
Cockroach Prevention Tips
- Vacuum the rugs and sweep the floor routinely.
- Clean counters, especially under the toaster where crumbs can fall. Be aware that cockroaches can also climb up inside your toaster to get at crumbs.
- Put dishes in a sink full of soapy water rather than next to the sink in a dry stack. Not only will this prevent cockroaches from feeding on food remnants, it will make those dishes easier to clean.
- Use a disinfectant on your counters, floors, and appliances.
- Put pantry and kitchen food items in sealed plastic containers.
- Put your kitchen trash in a sealed receptacle.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the indoor environment dry. Cockroaches require humidity to survive.
- Wash bedding and sheets routinely.
If you’re dealing with a cockroach infestation, reach out to one of our professionals, we will help you find the pest control plan that meets all of your needs.