National Pest Management Association Reveals Hidden Allergy Triggers In The Home

Are common household pests like cockroaches to blame?

FAIRFAX, VA (May 25, 2016) – For many allergy and asthma sufferers, tis the season for exacerbated symptoms. In fact, May is deemed National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is helping families to better understand some lesser-known allergy and asthma triggers found in the home, and offering advice on how to keep homes pest- and allergy-free.

Cockroaches are one of the dirtiest and hardy culprits. Their saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins known to trigger symptoms, especially in children. In addition to exacerbating skin and respiratory allergy symptoms, cockroaches also spread nearly 33 kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, six parasitic worms and more than seven other types of human pathogens.

“Keeping a pest-free home is essential to keeping your family healthy — and cockroaches hiding in the home may be more common than you think,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports 63 percent of homes have detectable levels of cockroach allergens and that number increases in more densely populated, metropolitan areas. Cockroaches are a health hazard and need to be handled immediately.”

The NPMA offers several tips for cockroach control:

• Keep your home – especially the kitchen and bathrooms – free of crumbs and debris
• Vacuum frequently
• Disinfect counters and food surfaces
• Do not let dirty dishes pile up in the sink
• Take out trash frequently, and store in a sealed receptacle
• Transfer open boxed food items from cardboard into sturdy, sealed containers
• Throw away foods that have passed their expiration dates
• Keep pet food in a sealed container and wash pet bowls frequently
• Reduce moisture by repairing leaks or installing a dehumidifier in damp spaces

If you do find signs of cockroaches, a pest professional will be able to inspect your home and recommend an effective course of action.

For more information visit: www.PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. For more information, visit NPMAPestWorld.org.

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