With all the pollen and pollutants in the air it’s not uncommon for people to suddenly developing respiratory problems. Many will assume these annoying, and in some cases, physically harmful symptoms, are caused by seasonal allergies or higher than normal levels of poor air quality. But a cockroach infestation at your home or place of business could possibly be the problem.
Cockroach Facts
Ever turn on a light in the middle of the night in your kitchen and then see cockroaches scurrying around looking for a place to hide? If you see one roach chances are pretty good there are more nearby. That’s because roaches are nocturnal and if you see one during the day it could be because their hidden nest is full and they are looking for a new place to call home.
Cockroaches are cold-blooded and therefore unable to regulate their body temperature causing them to seek shelter indoors. They also prefer moist areas with easy access to food sources. Considered opportunistic eaters, cockroaches generally aren’t picky about their diets. From the starch in book bindings to leather, plant matter to bakery products, they are drawn to starchy materials and fermenting foods.
How Cockroaches Make You Sick
Cockroaches leave signs of their presence in the form of roach fecal matter, discarded body parts and even through their salvia and vomit. All these contain specific proteins and allergens that may cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivity to these substances. These microscopic airborne allergen particles quickly settle but activities such as vacuuming, sweeping, and disturbing dust trapping materials such as rugs, pillows and linens can release them back into the air, allowing them to contaminate the air you breathe.
One scary fact researched by the Institute of Medicine and cited by the American Lung Association is “cockroaches don’t need to be present for there to be a cockroach allergen in your home. One in five homes with no history of cockroach infestation has a significant level of allergen in dust and fabrics.”
Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
If household members are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, it may be a wise move to have your home inspected for cockroaches. Also, it is important to remember medical researchers now believe exposure to cockroach allergen may lead to the development of asthma in children age five years and younger.
- Constant nasal congestion.
- Frequent sinus and/or ear infections.
- Itchy and watery eyes.
- A lingering cough that doesn’t get better.
- Shortness of breath.
- Wheezing when breathing.
- Atopic eczema.
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Then it’s definitely time to call the best in Upstate pest control, Scout’s Pest Control at 864-469-4999. Serving the entire Upstate from Abbeville County to Anderson County, Spartanburg County to Oconee County, one call to Scout’s is all it takes to get your pest problem under control.
