With Spring in the air, our thoughts are turning to better weather and beautiful flowers. However, for around 81 million people across the United States, Spring also brings with it the unwanted symptoms of seasonal allergies. When thinking about seasonal allergies, we usually consider common triggers like pollen, grass, dust, or pet dander. However, did you know some common household pests can trigger seasonal allergies? Even more reason to set up regular pest control in Knoxville, TN. Let's take a look at some of the pests that could be making your nose and eyes run.

Cockroaches

Nobody wants to spot a cockroach in their home, but for those who have allergies, the presence of this particular pest can be even more distressing. This is because cockroach feces, saliva, and some body parts contain proteins that are known to trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. This is especially common in young children. Regular visits from pest control in Knoxville, TN, can help to prevent cockroach infestations in your home, but you can also do your part by cleaning up crumbs and spills quickly, and by making sure you address any leaky pipes. A damp environment and a readily available source of food are welcome beacons to cockroaches and many other pests!

Rodents

If you already have asthma or an allergy triggered by pet dander, you are also likely to react badly to rodents. Mice and rats have similar dander to cats and dogs, and their droppings will also trigger asthma or allergies. You can help prevent rodent infestation by sealing up any cracks where they can enter the home. Pay special attention to where your utility pipes and lines enter the property, as these are common weak spots. You should also keep food items in sealed containers. If you spot a furry little menace in your home, call pest control in Knoxville, TN, to lay traps and promptly eliminate the problem.

Dust Mites

According to research, between 50% and 80% of people living with asthma will show increased symptoms if they are sharing their homes with dust mites! Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments and can be found in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their droppings and cast skins can trigger respiratory constriction, making them a significant issue for anyone with asthma, seasonal allergies, or other respiratory conditions. Making sure that you vacuum regularly and change your bedding often can help to reduce these allergens, but if you have a particularly bad infestation, you may want to work with pest control in Knoxville, TN, to treat your home with insecticide to exterminate the dust mites.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies will travel over great distances, meaning that they can carry a variety of different diseases and allergens. They reach maturity in Spring and will target homes searching for a food source. They can trigger asthma symptoms and also a raised bumpy rash on the skin.

Stinging Insects

Another household pest that can trigger allergies is stinging pests such as wasps or bees. However, this is a specific allergy to the pest itself rather than a seasonal allergy exacerbated by allergens produced by pests. If you have an allergy to bee or wasp stings, then it can be fatal. It is important to carry an epi pen and a backup with you at all times in case you are stung. Of course, the best course of action is to avoid getting stung in the first place.

Keeping Your Home Pest Free

The allergens that tend to trigger reactions can usually be found in the pests' saliva, droppings, and body parts and can become airborne, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and even asthma attacks. To reduce the risk of allergies from household pests, it is important to keep the home clean and dry and seal any cracks or holes where pests might enter. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and pest control measures can also help to minimize the risk of exposure to allergens. It may be helpful to consult an allergist for testing and treatment recommendations if allergies are suspected.

In terms of riding the home of the pests, you will need to call in the experts. Call pest control in Knoxville, TN, to treat your property for common household pests. It is important to not only have the pests exterminated but also to secure regular preventative treatments that will help protect your home against future infestations. Many different pest control techniques can be used, so speak with your pest control technician about choosing one that will be the best for your infestation and your allergy or respiratory illness.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.