Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests across the United States. These pests can enter homes and buildings through tiny openings and are drawn to sources of food and water, regardless of the cleanliness of your home. In addition to presenting an unappealing image when you come across a roach, cockroaches can actually pose a significant health risk to your family as well. Cockroaches are associated with a wide variety of different allergens that can cause reactions from skin irritation to asthma and allergy flare-ups—these insects are even associated with a higher risk of the asthma development in children. Understanding how the presence of cockroaches affects the air your family breathes and the signs that you may have these pests in your home can help you identify an infestation that requires professional pest extermination more quickly to protect your family’s health.
Cockroach Allergen Basics
Cockroaches were first suspected as a unique allergen in 1943; subsequent testing determined that cockroaches did indeed produce allergy symptoms in 1959. There are several sources ofcockroach allergens, including the insects’ exoskeletons, saliva and droppings. Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, those suffering from cockroach allergies may present symptoms that include skin rashes, mouth, nose and eye irritation, congestion, difficulty breathing, and even the onset of an asthma attack. Furthermore, numerous studies have linked consistent exposure to airborne cockroach allergens with a higher risk for the development of childhood asthma. Cockroach allergens pose such a severe threat because they can affect indoor air quality without your knowledge—airborne cockroach allergens often come from insect droppings or dead insects trapped between the walls of your home, impacting your family’s health even if you have never seen a live insect in your living spaces.
Identifying a Cockroach Infestation
The key to improving air quality inside your home and managing your family’s health is identifying a cockroach infestation and taking quick steps to eliminate it. Although spotting a live insect is a key sign that your home may have a roach problem, cockroaches are typically nocturnal and adept at finding dark spaces to reside; thus, it is common to have a cockroach problem in your home without ever seeing one. Even if you never see a live cockroach, there are other warning signs that your home may have a roach problem. All roaches leave droppings; smaller roach species typically leave piles of droppings that look like dirt or coffee grounds, while larger roaches produce small piles of dark, cylindrical feces. A severe cockroach infestation may also imbue your home with an oily or musty smell. Because cockroaches can produce asthma and allergy symptoms, it’s also important to pay attention to your family’s health. If you or your family members experience persistent allergies or cold-like symptoms or an increase in the need for asthma and allergy medication, you should explore the possibility of an indoor air quality issue in your home due to cockroaches. Scheduling a professional pest inspection is the best way to determine whether your health concerns are the result of roaches so the proper steps can be taken to address the underlying issue.
Are you concerned about cockroaches and their effect on your family’s health in Orlando? You can reach an experienced pest control expert for help when youclick through our website for more details about our wildlife and pest control services. We also encourage you to read through ourblog for more educational tips on spotting and controlling pests in your home.