Pest Videos

Video Transcript

Hi, I'm Missy Henriksen with the National Pest Management Association. Today I'll tell you about how cockroaches can affect people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria, parasites, and various other human pathogens. In addition to spreading disease, cockroaches can also trigger allergies. Certain proteins found in roach droppings, saliva, secretions, and cast skins—that's the leftover shell from when insects molt—have been shown to cause allergic reactions. In fact, detectable levels of cockroach allergens can be found in at least one location in 63% of all U.S. homes.

Symptoms of cockroach allergens vary but can include itchy skin, stuffy nose, dry eyes, and a scratchy throat. Cockroach allergens also aggravate symptoms of asthma, which are especially pronounced in children. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health indicated that one in five children in the United States is severely sensitive to cockroach allergens and, when exposed to them, experience asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Symptoms don’t appear to worsen when these same children are exposed to other allergens like pet dander and dust mites. Research also indicates that cockroaches are the number one allergen triggering asthma symptoms in inner-city children.

If you're experiencing frequent symptoms of asthma or allergies throughout the year, consider getting tested for a cockroach allergy. Avoid an infestation by making your home inhospitable to cockroaches. Clean regularly and thoroughly, especially in the kitchen where food particles can build up. Keep your basement or crawl space dry, as cockroaches love damp areas. Seal up any holes, crevices, or cracks in your house. If you suspect you have a cockroach infestation, contact a licensed pest professional who can help solve the problem and keep allergy-aggravating cockroaches out of your home.