Spring: the time of year when plants begin to bloom and a lovely shade of yellow covers every outdoor surface. Pollen is about to saturate the air and sneezes and sniffles will be everywhere.
While there isn’t much you can do to prevent plant-based seasonal allergies, did you know that there is another major cause of allergies and asthma that is preventable? Although they may be lesser-known causes, it’s common for cockroaches, rodents and insects to be the root of allergy and asthma symptoms.
What’s Causing My Allergies?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, people can experience an allergic reaction from household pests without being bitten or stung and symptoms are quite similar to the common cold. If you have any of the following symptoms that persist for weeks on end, you may want to consider a comprehensive pest protection program:
Sneezing
Coughing
A runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, mouth or throat
Cockroaches, rodents and insects shed particles from their exoskeleton, fecal matter, urine, hair, saliva and bacteria. These microscopic allergens primarily collect on surfaces in your home’s kitchen or bedroom where food and humidity prevail. The American Lung Association states that “One in five homes with no history of cockroach infestation has a significant level of allergen in dust and fabrics.”
Reduce Your Risk of an Allergic Reaction
The McCauley Services team has nearly 40 years of experience treating homes and businesses for a variety of pest problems. We believe in a combined approach to pest control and have several suggestions for safe ways to prevent pests from moving into your home:
Store all food in airtight containers.
Clean up spilled drinks or crumbs right away.
Take your trash out regularly.
Put away any uneaten dog or cat food.
In addition to these tips, it’s also prudent to have your home professionally inspected for exterior rodent and insect entry points. McCauley Services offers treatment for cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home to reduce or eliminate insect populations as well as rodent exclusion services to seal gaps around pipes or wires that enter a home. A mouse can squeeze into an entry point the size of a dime, so it’s imperative to identify any potential entry opportunities to maintain a pest-free home.
Where to Look for Signs of an Infestation
You may never see a rat, mouse or roach in your home or business, but there is evidence that will clue you in to a potential pest problem. Knowing what to look for could make the difference between a small issue and a major undertaking.
As you give your house a refresh for spring, pull out items from under your sink and pantry to check for droppings or holes in the floor or wall. Animals can be helpful monitors for rodent activity. If your pooch suddenly starts barking at walls, cabinets or the attic, there may be a mouse making its way through the inside of your home.
If it looks like someone spilled pepper or coffee grounds on the floor, you might have a cockroach infestation. Their droppings are small and could easily be written off as the aftermath of a messy housemate. Walk your house looking for smear marks along walls or cabinets and chew marks on food packages, books and leather items.
Know the Risks
As a homeowner, you want to protect your investment from deterioration and unwelcome inhabitants. Not only can insects and rodents spread infectious diseases, but many at-home remedies may cause harm to your pets and loved ones. Before you reach for that can of pesticide, consider the toxicity and level of exposure as well as the severity of the problem.
McCauley Services technicians receive training above and beyond the industry standard to properly evaluate and treat seasonal pest problems effectively. Call the team you can trust to protect your home and loved ones from nature’s nuisances and breathe easier this spring.