Do Cockroaches Cause Allergies?

Out of all household pests, cockroaches are definitely one of the most dreaded. In addition to simply being gross, cockroaches carry filth and possibly disease everywhere they go. They are also infamously difficult to control and get rid of.

But perhaps the most dangerous thing about roaches is the fact that they are behind something that can directly affect both you and your family members: allergies!

Cockroaches and childhood allergies

Over the past couple of decades, research has proven that cockroaches may trigger allergies or asthma attacks in children. Certain studies have suggested that somewhere between 23% and 60% of people who live in urban environments or cities and have a history of asthma are also sensitive to cockroach allergens. The cockroach exoskeleton is the biggest cause of these allergens, and with many homes in cities experiencing infestations, the number of asthma-related symptoms are on the rise.

How do cockroaches cause allergies?

As strange as it sounds, cockroaches can trigger allergies in the same manner that pollen, dust, or other animals do. The allergens produced are typically from a cockroach’s saliva, feces, or shed exoskeletons, all of which spread easily throughout a home. Some facts to know about the link between cockroaches and allergies include:

• 1943 was the first year a cockroach-related allergy was reported, which began more research into the connection.
• By the 1970s, there was undeniable proof showing that cockroaches caused both allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
• Throughout the last decades, incidents of cockroach-related asthma attacks have skyrocketed, likely due to the amount of people living in urban environments.

Controlling and preventing cockroach infestations

The thought of cockroaches in your home or business is not a pleasant one, and that’s before knowing that these grimey insects are capable of causing allergies or asthma attacks. At Springer Professional Home Services, we are committed to using our IPM methods to prevent cockroaches from infesting your property in the first place. Call us today to learn about how we can keep you and your family safe from cockroaches with our reliable prevention and extermination services!