Do Cockroaches Cause Allergies?

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

When it comes to household pests, cockroaches might be at the very top of the list. Aside from the physical damage they can do to your home and its contents, they also tend to be large and fast, thus being the cause behind many a homeowner jumping for higher ground. However, cockroaches are also behind something much worse that can affect the most important part of your home: allergies.

The Link Between Cockroaches and Childhood Asthma

Cockroaches can trigger allergies just like any other common allergy source like pollen, dust, or other animals. It has been proven that cockroaches can trigger allergies in children, which can then result in asthma attacks. In fact, the number one cause of asthma attacks is exposure to cockroach exoskeletons. The best way to get rid of these vermin is through extermination and then preventative measures.

Scientists believe that between 23% and 60% of people who live in urban cities and have asthma are also sensitive to the allergens of cockroaches. Making matters worse, it’s thought that at least 78% of urban homes are playing host to these insects. In homes that do have cockroaches present, there could easily be hundreds of them.

How Do Cockroaches Trigger Allergies?

Allergies are caused by the body’s overreaction to foreign objects it deems harmful. For example, despite pollen being harmless, when people who are allergic inhale pollen, their bodies go into emergency mode, producing extra mucus and other symptoms. For cockroaches, the body reacts to the creature’s saliva, feces, and body parts (i.e. their exoskeleton, which cockroaches shed frequently). Cockroaches can shed these allergens around the clock, throughout your home.

How Can I Get Rid of Cockroaches?

If you’ve determined someone in your home is suffering from cockroach-related allergies, you obviously want them out as soon as possible! A professional cockroach exterminator who uses environmentally-friendly pest control solutions is your best bet for eliminating these allergen-producing pests without further damage or complications. DIY methods for cockroach control are basically useless, and will just drive the cockroaches into another area of your home. Heron Home & Outdoor uses Integrated Pest Management to get rid of cockroaches in the safest way possible. We’ll work with you to make sure your needs are taken care of, any problems are addressed, and we won’t stop working until the cockroaches are gone for good.