Are your allergy symptoms in full force right now? This time of year in the Baton Rouge area, blooming trees and springtime weather can bring an onset of spring allergies for many people. But what if it’s more than just the spring causing your allergies this time of year? With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the team here at Dugas Pest Control wants to shine light on the dangers of pest allergens in your home. There are several household pests that can trigger your allergy symptoms, and the key to preventing them is to prevent the pests themselves. Read on to learn our top tips for keeping your family safe from pest allergens this spring and all year long.

6 Steps to Remove Pest Allergens

To avoid the frustration of dealing with pest-related allergies, you need to learn how to keep pests out in the first place! Some of the best pest prevention tips that double as pest allergen prevention include:

Storing food in sealed containers and cleaning kitchens on a daily basis.
Disposing of garbage regularly and using a tight-fitting lid.
Sealing cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
Keeping your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
Washing blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or getting them dry-cleaned.
Vacuuming and dusting your property on a regular basis.
Keeping pet food sealed in a tight container and washing food bowls.

What Pests Trigger Allergy Symptoms?

You may be wondering what types of pests cause allergies in the first place. A lot of research has proven that cockroach droppings, skins, saliva, and more contribute to allergies and asthma, particularly in children. A roach infestation is often known to exacerbate allergic reactions. In addition, stinging insects such as yellow jackets and fire ants can cause allergic reactions for certain individuals. These symptoms are often different than your typical seasonal allergies.

In any case, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from an allergic reaction. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, swollen throat, and wheezing.

Year-Round Pest Allergen Prevention

Staying safe from pest allergens means staying away from pests in the first place! Basic pest prevention methods can greatly reduce the amount of pest allergens in your home. If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests and still have them in your home or business, the team at Dugas is here to help. Our experts are committed to keeping you and your family safe from the many dangers of pests, allergies included!