The allergen that might be triggering your allergy symptoms or asthma might be living somewhere in your house unbeknownst to you. It isn’t dust or fragrant and harsh cleaning products, but something more sinister — it also has six legs.
Yes, you guessed it, cockroaches — particularly their droppings, skin, and saliva. Gross, but true. Studies have actually shown that cockroaches are asthma and allergy triggers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), 23% up to 60% of individuals with asthma or allergies who live in urban homes react strongly to allergens from cockroaches.
German and American cockroaches the most usually associated with allergy and asthma symptoms.
How will I know if I’ll react to cockroach allergen?
How quickly or not you react to cockroach allergen would depend on several factors. For one, it would depend on your level of sensitization to the allergen, the quality of your home’s ventilation, and the severity of infestation.
Generally speaking, sensitization could take weeks to months, which means that if you don’t get easily sensitized to cockroaches, but they live in your home, you might not experience any reaction for a long time.
On the other hand, if you have a severe cockroach infestation, have already been sensitized to cockroaches, and if your home is sealed, you could experience an asthma or allergy attack sooner than you think.
How do I know if I’m allergic to cockroaches?
It’s crucial to note that not all individuals whose houses have a cockroach infestation will experience asthma or allergy attacks since not all people have asthma or allergies. However, if you or anyone in your home suffers from a scratchy throat, itchy, nose and eyes, and wheezing, you must consult a doctor to figure out the cause of your symptoms.
If you experience these symptoms all year-round or most of the year, it’s possible that you’re being triggered by something in your house. Allergens inside homes usually have more consistent states and don’t just come and go with the changing seasons.
The thing is, homeowners typically seal up their doors and windows during winter and summer to run heat and air conditioning. Decreased ventilation during these seasons increases the chances of people reacting to indoor allergens such as cockroaches.
How do I know if I have a cockroach infestation?
In most cases, the first red flag of a cockroach infestation is actually spotting a cockroach inside your house. In cases where the infestation is more severe, you’ll see their droppings around crevices and cracks where they’ve been living.
If this is the case for you, you need to call your local pest control specialists in Salt Lake City as soon as possible so that they can inspect your home thoroughly, confirm the level of infestation, and make a plan to get rid of your unwelcome house guests.
Preventing cockroaches from infesting your home is easy. Start by cleaning up food crumbs right after eating, vacuuming and sweeping the floor regularly, as well as making sure that there are no leaks under your sinks.
