Five Ways Pests May Be Causing Your Allergies

Five Ways Pests May Be Causing Your Allergies

No one enjoys having a pest in their home. They are gross and smelly but did you know they could also be contributing to your allergies? Household pests have the ability to cause a number of allergies. Allergens released into the air by pests such as cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents can trigger allergic reactions. 

Pests can also spread bacteria and other pathogens that can cause allergic reactions in humans. In addition, pests can contaminate food supplies, causing reactions in people who are allergic to the bacteria or other pathogens present in the contaminated food. 

Pests can also cause allergies through their bites or stings, as well as by increasing the amount of dust and debris in the home, which can exacerbate allergies in people who are sensitive to dust and other allergens.

All of these reasons highlight just how much damage pests can do. This article will explore five ways that the pests within your home may be causing your allergy flare-ups.

So as long as there are no pests around, let’s get on with the list.

Five Ways Pests May Be Causing Your Allergies

1) Airborne Attackers

If you do not already have enough reasons to hate cockroaches, here is another. Common pests like cockroaches, dust mites, and rodents are known to trigger serious allergies by releasing allergens from their bodies into the air. 

These allergens can come from a variety of sources, including the pest’s saliva, droppings, and even their skin. If these allergens happen to be inhaled by a person who suffers from these types of allergies, they can cause discomfort and other allergy symptoms. 

Dust mites, in particular, can cause significant allergic reactions when their droppings and body parts become airborne. Rodents can also cause allergies by releasing allergens from their saliva, droppings, and urine.

2) Contaminating Food Supplies

Just like us, pests have to eat, and because of this, it is common to find them in food storage areas searching for crumbs and causing mayhem. Pests such as rodents, flies, and ants can contaminate food supplies by spreading bacteria and other pathogens.

These pathogens can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. For example, some pests can spread salmonella and other food-borne illnesses, while rodents can spread the hantavirus and other diseases.

Ingesting contaminated food can result in serious allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the bacteria or other pathogens present in the food. The best way to avoid this type of contamination is always to ensure food is sealed and stored away properly in an area free of pests.

3)  Insect Stings and Bites

Everyone is familiar with the annoyance caused by flying insects like mosquitoes and fleas as they attempt to bite and sting you. Pests like these, and others such as bed bugs, have the ability to trigger allergic reactions with their bites. 

The seriousness of these reactions can range from mild to severe, depending on a given person's sensitivity. If you have been stung or bitten by a pest, look for allergic reaction symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

 In serious cases, the bites or stings of these pests even can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening if not treated. If you fear you or a loved one may have entered anaphylactic shock, seek immediate medical care. 

4)   Carrying in Allergens

When pests make their way from the outside world into your home, they often carry some nature with them. Many rodents' fur is capable of trapping dirt, sand, pollen, and other allergens, while bugs can carry in floral material.

By bringing in this type of material, pests are able to trigger allergies and leave your sinuses in anguish. The worst part of all is that even when the pests are gone, some of the natural materials they brought in can remain. That is why it is critical to always clean around your home and be on the lookout for outdoor material making its way inside. 

No More Pests, Please!

Bugs are not to be messed around with, as they can cause much more damage than people think, especially for those suffering from allergies. As this article highlights, pests like cockroaches, flies, dust mites, ants, and even rodents are able to carry allergens and contaminate food supplies. 

With spring coming on the horizon, a whole new host of pests will be attempting to make their way into your home. In order to protect your sinuses, be on the lookout for intruders, clean surfaces as much as possible, and always store food safely. 

As you prepare for the spring season, this helpful article can help you identify some of the most common household pests this time of year and can even tell you how to avoid them.  We hope this article will help you keep your allergies in check this spring. If you have pests, reach out to Rid-A-Bug Exterminating today to have them exterminated!