No one will contradict you if you think that cockroaches are disgusting. They are dirty and can fly across the room. Also, they can give you a mini heart attack. However, the presence of cockroaches can be more torturous for those with allergies. Yes, there is such a thing as a cockroach allergy, and it should be managed properly to prevent further complications.
Having a clean environment can also lessen the number of cockroaches infesting your home. With that in mind, you should contact a professional pest control company in Sandy to get rid of these icky cockroaches. Read on to learn more about cockroach allergies and how you can get rid of cockroaches once and for all.
What are cockroach allergies?
According to the National Pest Management Association, more than 60 percent of U.S. households have cockroaches. More so, at least 78 percent of urban homes in the USA have cockroaches.
Specifically, the cockroaches’ feces, shed body parts, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions in people. The triggers can be airborne like dust mites, so air contamination is more likely to aggravate allergic symptoms. Speaking of symptoms, the common symptoms of cockroach allergies include the following:
- Skin rashes
- Coughing
- Ear and/or sinus infections
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Watery and itchy eyes
In the worst cases, the person might experience one or more of the following symptoms. If you experience any of them, better go to the nearest emergency room.
- Chest tightening and pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing sound when breathing
- Sleeping troubles (mostly due to breathing difficulties)
How to manage cockroach allergies
You should visit a doctor to help you manage your cockroach allergies. Usually, an allergy doctor will conduct a skin test to verify your allergic reactions to cockroaches. Once confirmed, the doctor will provide a prescription of medications you need to take to manage your allergies.
More importantly, you need to keep your surroundings clean so that cockroaches won’t thrive. Here are some ways to keep cockroaches away from your home:
- Instead of using insect sprays, consider using cockroach traps. The former can only aggravate your allergies.
- Inspect your home of any hidden cracks and holes where cockroaches and rats might be hiding. If you find one, make sure to seal it.
- Check for any leaky pipes. This is because cockroaches like to thrive in damp locations such as under the sink.
- Sweep the floor regularly and wipe off any food crumb that can be attractive to cockroaches.
- Wash the dishes and do not leave them in the sink. Store leftover foods in sealed containers.
- Make sure to cover the trash bins so cockroaches will not go inside it.
As for cockroach allergies, there are medications often prescribed for sufferers. These medications include antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, nasal corticosteroids, and decongestants. For asthma due to cockroach allergy, you might be prescribed bronchodilators.
In the end, you should always remember that prevention is still better than cure. If you feel unsure about how to eliminate the pests in your home, feel free to consult a professional exterminator.
