Did you know it’s possible to be allergic to cockroaches here in the Lowcountry? The unfortunate ones who are, suffer with symptoms year-round, possibly including asthma attacks. Palmetto Bugs are also included in this conversation, because they are in reality, the American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana).
What are the symptoms of cockroach allergy?
According to WebMD, the usual symptoms of cockroach allergy are:
Chronic stuffy nose.
Frequent ear and sinus infections.
Itchy eyes and nose.
A cough that doesn't go away.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.
Chest tightness.
Preventing contact with cockroach allergens is very important for those Charleston area residents who may have cockroach allergies.
Check out these four essential tips that the Arrow Termite and Pest Control experts suggest in getting rid of cockroach allergens.
1. Make Sure Your Kitchen Stays Very Clean
Cockroaches are drawn to food, and if you have relaxed cleaning habits, they can easily be enticed into your kitchen. Because of this, work on keeping your kitchen very clean to make it less appealing to roaches. Wash all the dishes and clean up any food spills as soon as you are done eating. Don’t leave open food out in the kitchen, including pet food, because cockroaches can be enticed by it, as well.
Keep all food in sealed jars or plastic containers. If cockroaches don't find anything to eat, they usually will go somewhere else.
2. Get Rid Of Excess Moisture
Not only are cockroaches drawn to food, they also are attracted to water and moisture and can only live about a week without any. To get rid of excess moisture, repair leaky pipes or faucets throughout your home. Because cockroaches also like dark areas they typically come out at night to search for water. Clean up any sources of water before going to bed. Pay particular attention to any water left in your sinks, tubs, and countertops.
3. Clean Floors Often
Cockroach allergen particles are large so they have a tendency to land on surfaces fast. One of the most common areas of accumulation is on your floors. Frequently clean all your floors in order to control allergens.
To clean your carpets, use a quality vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
This will allow you to trap the allergens instead of releasing them into the air. Use a dust mop and wet mop to clean laminate, tile, vinyl, or other uncarpeted floors. It is also important to reduce clutter in your home, garage, and storage areas. Roaches can hide behind piles of newspapers or cardboard boxes. They may eat paper, too.
4. Keep Cockroaches from Entering By Sealing Cracks
It’s easy for cockroaches to slip through small cracks in your home’s exterior. As soon as they’re inside, they can scatter their allergens throughout your home. Seal possible entry points to keep roaches outdoors and to get rid of allergens. Cockroaches could come inside through gaps under doors, unscreened vents, and tears in window screens. Check your home’s exterior carefully for any other cracks or gaps that might let bugs make it inside.
If you are having allergy issues you may need to reduce cockroach allergens around your home. These four strategies will go a long way towards reducing these allergens. For more help, please contact Arrow Termite and Pest Control, the Charleston area's pest control company. Call today, (843) 873-0800 .