With Spring only a few weeks away, now is a good time to start preparing for allergy season. And what’s one of the major causes of allergies and asthma? PESTS! Don’t suffer through the beautiful spring season this year. Here are some tips to keep your home pest and allergen-free.
Pest prevention measures can be very effective at combating allergies and asthma. Common household pests, like cockroaches and stinging insects, can pose a significant threat to asthma and allergy sufferers. Roach droppings, saliva, shed skins and other body parts contain allergen proteins known to cause flare-ups and increase asthma symptoms, especially in children. And stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year due to serious reactions from the pest’s venom.
The first step to a pest and allergen-free home: practice good sanitation.
In addition, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against common indoor allergens caused by pests:
Exclude pests by sealing cracks and gaps on the outside of the home. Pay special attention to utility pipe entry points.
Vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
Keep food sealed and stored properly, and clean kitchen floors and counters daily.
Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
If allergic to stinging insects, learn how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times.
Should you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction following a stinging insect encounter, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath, call 911.
If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional to safely remove the threat.
We know that bugs are gross and unsanitary but did you also know that they can be bad for our health. WebMD discusses some of the worst bugs and the potential harm they can do to our health:
Scorpions – Poisonous, painful, and can be deadly.
Deerflies – Infection, and Tularemia.
Mosquitoes – West Nile virus, dengue fever, other diseases, and scratching can cause skin infection.
Houseflies – Carries more than 1 million bacteria, intestinal infections by contaminating food.
Cockroaches – Salmonella and other diseases, dead carcasses can trigger allergic reactions and asthma.
Tips to prevent feeling the sting of these health issues:
Make sure your home is treated by a professional exterminator. A professional can diagnose current problems, and prevent new issues from coming into your home efficiently and effectively.
Wear long clothing when outdoors.
Wear DEET repellant when outdoors.
Keep a clean, sanitary home and yard. This will prevent insects from seeing your home as a place for them to call home.
If you think you may have been bitten or stung by any of the insects above, please take note of your body’s reaction and seek medical assistance immediately.
There are few things more important to us at Northwest than protecting the Earth. In today’s world, there is no excuse not to go green – especially, when it comes to pest control. NorPest Green is an all-around Eco-friendly program that utilizes what nature has given us to protect homes, and businesses from pests.
NorPest Green is a customized program that utilizes only the most innovative and advanced products and equipment available. Our products’ active ingredients are derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements from the earth. Our green pest control doesn’t use harsh chemicals and is just as effective as traditional pest control.
NorPest Green Highlights:
Kind to your natural surroundings
Uses botanicals and earth-based products
Enhances the health of living and working environments by keeping pests out
While the environment is crucial on our list of priorities, our customers are number one! That’s why we think home and business owners should… Trust the Mouse!
