Home Pest Control: Household Pests That Trigger Asthma and Allergies

When you’re in the business of home pest control, like Noosa, you understand that it’s about more than simply killing pests. It means showing personal concern for clients and their families. So, if your pest problems aren’t only annoying but also causing allergies and asthma that could make you sick, Noosa can help.

But first, we’d like to share our knowledge about the worst pest species for causing these unpleasant illnesses, so you’ll know what to watch for ahead of time.

Insect Species That Cause Asthma and Allergies

Not all household pests are prolific allergen-spreaders like those in the five categories we’re about to discuss. However, any irritating substances that can be inhaled or irritate the skin can cause problems. So, you don’t want to delay contacting Noosa for a residential pest control estimate and recommendations.

Just consider the following species groups, which are notorious for spreading allergens.

Cockroaches

Do you know that one in five homes with a history of cockroach infestation has significant amounts of roach allergen in dust, fabrics, and carpets? If so, you should also know that overexposure to allergens has been known to cause allergies and asthma (an ailment to which infants are especially vulnerable).

Cockroach allergen concentrations are usually quite high in kitchens because that’s where they find food and water. However, bedroom concentrations are an even more significant concern. People sleep in close contact with pillows and other bedding, so they can unknowingly inhale the allergens produced by cockroaches and other pests.

Mice and Rats

Studies have shown a connection between allergy and asthma symptoms triggered by rodent exposure. Rodent urine, saliva, and shed skin have all been linked to increased asthma symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, shortness of breath, and persistent wheezing.

Moreover, research has made it clear that many inner-city residents are exposed to and often allergic to rats or mice. For example, a well-regarded asthma study focusing on inner-city youth found that nearly 20% of those surveyed had developed sensitivity to rats and 15% to mice. Other studies have shown that mouse allergens are present in 82% of U.S. homes.

Dust Mites

According to the American Lung Association, dust mites are among the primary indoor triggers for people with asthma. Therefore, ongoing exposure to these minuscule insects at home can compromise the health of people with asthma and those who are otherwise allergic or sensitive to mites. In addition, these allergens can trigger mild to severe symptoms that might lead to asthma attacks.

A mild allergy attack might cause minor symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. However, the condition will continue in more severe cases, with persistent sneezing, cough, congestion, headaches, or even a life-threatening asthma attack.

Stinging Insects

Roughly 5% of Americans have severe allergic reactions to insect stings, with most allergic to bees, wasps, and stinging ants. And while people can have allergies to biting insects—such as ants, mosquitoes, and black flies—the most severe reactions come from stinging insects.

Stinging insect allergies result from a patient’s immune system overreacting to the insect venom that a sting delivers. And although symptoms are mild for most, anaphylaxis is far more serious. If not treated immediately, it can lead to unconsciousness and possibly death.

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• Dizziness, fainting, and flushed or pale skin.
• Rash, hives, or itching.
• A weak and rapid pulse.
• Gastrointestinal problems.
• Swollen throat or tongue.
• Airway constriction can lead to wheezing and breathing difficulty.

Should you experience any of these symptoms following an insect sting, seek medical help immediately!

Termites

Most termites live in isolation and won’t bite humans unless provoked. However, soldier termites must protect the colony from invaders, including humans. These tiny “warriors” have powerful jaws for biting, which, in some cases, can cause allergic reactions.

Termite feces, or frass, also contain allergens, and during termite swarming (or mating) season, the air can be filled with termite detritus, causing asthma and allergy symptoms to escalate.

Moreover, termite infestation often develops in damp, moldy places, so they can quickly spread fungal spores throughout a home, potentially causing an array of respiratory difficulties for the (human) residents.

How does Noosa’s home pest control service diminish allergens?

Noosa offers comprehensive, reduced-risk, and effective residential pest control services that fit the needs of your home and family. So, if one or more members of your household suffer from severe allergies or asthma, we can eradicate the pests that precipitate these illnesses and their symptoms.

Our natural home pest control methods are unlikely to aggravate existing allergies and asthma further. In fact, once we have applied a highly effective, naturally occurring insecticide to the infested areas, you might not even notice that the pests are gone.

Not only do we get rid of germ-spreading insects and rodents, but we also do it in the gentlest way possible that won’t exacerbate people’s respiratory concerns when using traditional spray toxins. In other words, we exhaust all available non-chemical options to rid your home of pests before proposing further measures.

Noosa for pest-related allergies? Yes, indeed!

Many of today’s businesses now limit themselves to just one or a few services, overlooking opportunities to try new products and processes. But not Noosa— especially not when it comes to residential pest control.

Are you aware that Greater Charlotte, North Carolina, where we live and work, is one of America’s top metro areas for allergies? This means that many residents are constantly seeking relief from their discomfort.

Although Noosa can’t do much to treat pollen or any other non-pest-related allergens, we play our part by clearing homes of pests and the residue they produce.

If your household has been taken over by coughing, sneezing, itching, and wheezing, it’s best to call us for residential pest control sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the pests will only multiply and cause even more significant discomfort. So, contact us today. We’ll reduce the pest allergens in your home—and a lot more!

Please email us at appointmentdesk@noosapest.com or call 704-499-9922.