No one likes to see cockroaches in their home, but perhaps
the least savory and most dangerous part of a cockroach infestation are the
things you don't see. The fecal waste
matter and body part fragments contain highly concentrated allergens that can
contaminate your home and the air you and your family breathe. These allergens
are known to aggravate allergies and asthma in people, especially children.
This is when pest
control for cockroaches becomes a matter of health.
How can cockroaches affect my family's health?
Allergens created by cockroaches are very similar to those
of dust mites, as they attach themselves to other airborne particles that settle
quickly on surfaces in your home. While you try to remove them by vacuuming,
you're actually stirring some up and sending them into the air you breathe
(this is not to say that you shouldn't vacuum, however!). The particles collect
in upholstered furniture, your bed linens and pillows, making them very easy to
inhale.
These very cockroach allergens can aggravate existing
allergies and be a trigger for asthma sufferers. Researchers, however, are
investigating compelling evidence suggesting that children exposed to cockroach
allergens are actually at greater risk of developing asthma. They are also a
cause of wheezing and coughing in babies during their first year of life.
Where am I at the greatest risk of coming into contact with cockroach allergens?
The highest concentration of these allergens is usually
found in areas providing ample food and water for the pests to survive, namely
your kitchen area. These are the most common places for infestation to occur.
The cockroach allergens found in your home's bedrooms are likely of greater
concern, however. As the particles are likely to settle into bedding and
pillows, the amount of time you spend in contact with those items every night
becomes a significant factor.
How can I eliminate cockroach allergens in my home?
Although it's impossible to completely eliminate any
exposure at all to these allergens because they're found in public places as
well, such as schools, offices and restaurants, there are some precautions you
can take to protect your family in your home.
- Prevent or eliminate cockroach infestations. Keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris. Don't forget to periodically clean under your refrigerator or stove, where old food scraps may fall and collect. If you find you have an infestation, don't delay and contact a pest control professional to rid your home of them.
- Pay special attention to problem areas, especially bedroom. Consider investing in mattress and pillow encasements if you've had infestation problems in the past. Wash linens in hot water at least once a week.
- Do your best to reduce the humidity in your home. Cockroaches (as well as other household pests) thrive in damp environments. Make your home as inhospitable as possible for them.
- Avoid the use of carpeting if you have highly allergic or asthmatic individuals in the home. Wood or tile flooring is easier to maintain and keep allergen-free. If you're unable to do this, vacuuming and dusting several times a week may help to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. People with cockroach allergies should not be present in the room while the cleaning is taking place, however, as the airborne particles can temporarily worsen the room's air quality.
If you live in the West Palm Beach or Stuart, Florida area and know or even suspect you have a cockroach infestation, call the pest control company with over 25 years of experience - Ambassador Pest Management. One of our certified technicians will be happy to come out to perform a free, no-obligation inspection, and as always for our services, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! 866-632-0088.
