Almost nobody we speak to can stand the idea of being infested with cockroach. Not only are they unsightly, unhygienic and just all round icky, they can also cause a cockroach allergy in some people. Family members who are particularly prone to allergies or who have asthma can be triggered by the presence of cockroaches.

What is a Cockroach Allergy?

Simply coming into contact with saliva, faeces or shed skin of a cockroach can all trigger a cockroach allergy. These body parts contain a protein that is an allergen for many people. The waste a cockroach produces – and even dead insects – can set off a cockroach allergy that can prove very dangerous to the sufferer. With the diseases they spread, and the allergic reactions they case, there isn’t any safe way to have cockroaches in your home.

The Symptoms of Cockroach Allergy

Unfortunately, if you don’t know the signs and symptoms of a cockroach allergy, you may be blind to the fact that the problem exists. It can cause severe attacks, yet often goes undiagnosed.

Symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Itchy skin
• Rashes
• Coughing
• A stuffy and runny nose

If you or someone who lives in your home has asthma, cockroaches can cause an even more serious problem. The symptoms in this case are:

• Wheezing during breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or experiencing pain in the chest
• Not sleeping because of wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath

Roach Rash

The most common cockroach allergy, however, is something that is referred to as roach rash. This rash is an inflammation of the skin that itches and also stops your skin from healing as well. It can become a chronic problem if the source – the presence of cockroaches – is not eliminated.

Similar to dust mites, cockroaches produce antigens that instigate these allergic reactions. The way these antigens work is that they disturb your skin’s natural barrier. Normally, this barrier protects the skin from irritants and other environmental factors. Within 3 hours of coming into contact with cockroach allergens, the skin’s inflammatory response results in a distressing rash.

Roach rashes are much more common in children, so having these pests in your home can have serious health consequences for them. The rash can be very persistent and incredibly itchy, causing a lot of discomfort.

Stopping Cockroach Allergies

The only way you are going to stop the allergic reactions to a cockroach is to call a trusted pest control professional to your home. Finding a pest controller like Diamond who is trained in the extermination of cockroaches can prevent your family from experiencing pest allergies.

If you know you have cockroaches in your home, it’s important to act quickly. We will find the source of the problem and remove the cockroach infestation thoroughly. You can give our team a call and ask for advice. You should also remember to consult a doctor or other medical professional if someone in your home has an allergy.