Allergies Getting Worse? Household Pests Might Be the Problem

Did you know that household pests could be the source of your allergies?

Pests like dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents can contribute to allergic reactions and asthma.

When you inhale their airborne allergens, it can trigger a range of symptoms, from itchy eyes and runny noses to more severe reactions like asthma attacks.

Knowing the link between pests and allergies is the first step toward improving your home’s indoor air quality so you can feel your best.

Come with us as we explore some of the most common pests that trigger allergies and what you can do to get rid of them.

Key Takeaways

• Pests like dust mites and cockroaches contribute to allergy symptoms.

• Airborne allergens from pests can trigger asthma and allergic reactions.

• Reducing pest presence can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergies.

What Pests Cause Allergies?

Certain household pests can significantly contribute to allergy and asthma symptoms, often affecting indoor air quality and triggering a range of reactions, including sneezing, rashes, and asthma attacks.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are small, insect-like creatures that appear in nearly all homes year-round. While they’re too small for us to see, they thrive in warm, humid settings like Florida and feed on our dead skin cells.

If you’ve ever experienced seasonal allergies, sinus infections, shortness of breath, or any other asthma-like symptoms, it could actually be that you’re reacting to inhaling the proteins from dust mite urine, feces, or decayed bodies.

The allergens they produce can also cause sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, and watery eyes.

• Common Areas: Bedrooms, carpets, and upholstered furniture

• Allergy Management: Use allergen-proof bed covers, wash bedding in hot water, and reduce the humidity in your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches carry allergens in their droppings, saliva, and decaying bodies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, these allergens can lead to severe asthma symptoms, especially in children.

• Symptoms: Congestion, skin rashes, and asthma attacks

• Prevention Tips: Keep food sealed, clean up dirty dishes immediately, dispose of garbage regularly, and seal cracks to prevent entry.

Rodents

Mice and rats can shed dander, and their urine and droppings can contribute to airborne allergens. People exposed to rodent allergens can experience symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes, while more sensitive individuals may even experience asthma attacks,

• High-risk Areas: Kitchens, basements, and places with clutter

• Control Strategies: Use traps, maintain cleanliness, and store food in rodent-proof containers.

How Do Pests Make Allergies Worse?

When pests like dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents inhabit living spaces, they leave behind droppings and body fragments that become airborne allergens.

When you inhale these allergens, it can trigger the body's immune system to release histamine, leading to symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Individuals with asthma who are exposed to these allergens can have more severe attacks.

Skin Rashes and Contact Allergies from Pests

Direct contact with pests or their residues can cause skin irritation and skin rashes. Certain pests, like bed bugs and mites, feed on human blood and skin cells, causing skin reactions that range from mild rashes to severe irritation.

Strategies to Help With Allergies

When pests are present, managing allergies and asthma becomes crucial.

Let’s explore a few ways you can allergy-proof your home!

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly improve indoor air quality by trapping fine particles, including pest allergens. Installing these purifiers in places where you spend most of your time, especially your bedrooms, is key to creating clean air zones.

Beyond installing an air filter, we also recommend:

• Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum can help remove allergens from floors, mattresses, and upholstery.

• Closing Windows: Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent outdoor allergens from getting into your home.

Best Practices for Cleaning and Reducing Pests at Home

Maintaining a high standard of hygiene is crucial for minimizing allergens in a pest-infested home.

• Regularly wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.

• Prevent pests from entering by sealing cracks and gaps in your home

• Employ pest control services to professionally manage and eradicate household pests.

• Clean kitchen surfaces in the kitchen, dispose of garbage regularly and store food in sealed containers.

Contact Your Local Pest Control Service

While there are many steps you can take to mitigate the negative effects of pests in your home, one of the best ways to squash the problem once and for all is by contacting your local pest service.

Our team at Native Pest Management offers comprehensive solutions for just about every common insect infestation here in South Florida. Get in touch with us today to learn about our services and receive a free quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

Allergies can be pesky and believe it or not, common household pests are often part of the problem. Let's tackle some of your itchiest questions.

Could creepy crawlies be blamed for my sneezy fits?

Yes, they can. Dust mites, for instance, produce waste products that are a common allergen.

Are those little flies biting me causing my sniffles too?

Biting flies are not only annoying, but some of them can cause allergic reactions. The important thing is knowing whether or not you’re dealing with biting flies, as some flies, such as fruit flies, do not bite at all.

I'm miserable with allergies right at this minute; what's up with that?

If you're suffering from indoor allergies, pests could be a contributing factor. We recommend taking an over-the-counter allergy medication and getting in contact with your local pest control service.

What in my home could be setting off my allergy radar today?

Many household pests are culprits for allergies, from dust mite droppings lurking in your bedding to the mold spores carried by pests in damp areas. For example, cockroach allergens are known to cause problems for many allergy sufferers.