Remove pest allergens
Most people associate annoying allergies and symptoms of asthma with warmer weather and outdoor activities. But the fact is you don’t have to step out into the great outdoors to suffer from these common maladies. The allergens generated by a variety of household pests are more than enough to ensure that you can be miserable right in the comfort of your own home.
The Dangers Of Pest Allergens
The National Pest Management Association annually provides a helpful reminder of the risks associated with pest allergens and how you can combat them. Rodents such as mice and rats, dust mites, cockroaches, and other pests are the source of these allergens and can trigger a number of reactions. According to Dr. Jorge Parada, an advisor for the NPMA, “Common pest allergy and asthma symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness or pressure, similar to symptoms experienced from seasonal allergies and plant pollens. While most people associate allergy and asthma with being outside in the spring or summer, these symptoms can be triggered indoors all year long. It’s important to identify and reduce exposure to specific triggers both inside and outside of the home. Why not start with adding pest-proofing your home to your spring cleaning list?”
That’s a great idea, and the NPMA offers some easy ways to do just that.
Keeping Your Home Pest Allergen Free
- Seal up your house. The best way to keep allergens out is to keep out the pests that bring them in. Use an appropriate caulk or other product to seal up gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and around windows to deny pests access. It’s also a good idea to use a garbage can with a sealed lid.
- Vacuum often. Vacuum your carpets at least weekly, optimally more. Clean hard floor surfaces regularly with a damp cloth, or even better with a disinfectant cleaning solution.
- Dust every day. Even it it’s just a quick cleaning. Wipe down furniture and counter surfaces once a day.
- Control humidity levels. Attics, crawl spaces, and basements should be adequately ventilated, and humidity levels maintained at approximately 50%.
- Protect your mattresses and pillows. Special allergen proof cases and covers are available to keep mites out of your bedding, and you should be using them. They’re inexpensive and easy to find.
If you have a pest problem, especially if you have asthma or allergies. It’s time to call in the professionals. In South Carolina, that’s Clark’s Termite & Pest Control. Contact them today for a free estimate.
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