Pests Pose Numerous Problems During Peak Allergy Season

Monday, April 22, 2019

Spring has finally made its way to the Midwest, meaning both temperatures and allergies are on the rise.

While more traditional seasonal allergies such as grass, pollen, mildew or weeds might come to mind this time of year, pesky pests living right under peoples’ noses might be causing just as much suffering.

Some of the biggest offenders inside people’s homes include:

• Bed bugs
• Cockroaches
• Dust Mites
• Overwintering pests, such as Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs

Once bugs die, the proteins from their deteriorating bodies that are left behind can become airborne inside homes and businesses and cause human skin to become inflamed and itchy. It can also trigger other allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing or irritated eyes, mouth or throat. 

“Those proteins that used to make up bug bodies can turn into indoor environmental contaminants,” said Mark Vanderwerp, manager of education and training at Rose Pest Solutions. “Just when you thought the problem was solved and the bug infestation was eradicated, another problem can begin—it’s like the critters are haunting you from beyond the grave!”

Another problem that arrives with spring is “biting arthropods,” classified as biting flies (including mosquitoes,) bed bugs, fleas and ticks. Bites can cause a range of issues from pain, redness, stinging and minor swelling to disease transmission like Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Rose Pest Solutions, the nation’s oldest pest management company, offers many tips for how to effectively reduce the threat of allergens from both household pests and biting arthropods.

“Here’s an easy thing to remember: You don’t have to eliminate pests that never get in in the first place,” Vanderwerp says. “People must first practice effective pest prevention in and around their environments. A clean home is a happy home.” This time of year, the insects that came in last Fall to overwinter are waking up, so if you are seeing stink bugs, lady beetles, or cluster flies indoors you know that there are some pest proofing improvements that could be made.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Seal cracks and openings around the outside, especially at entry points such as screen doors and windows, to minimize insects from initially getting inside
• Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry
• Switch to a water filter vacuum, if you haven’t already.
• Keep food sealed and stored properly
• Don’t let garbage accumulate.
• If arthropods are infesting the home, get them identified and effectively treated by a professional company such as Rose
• Never attempt do-it-yourself management of stinging insects if you or someone in your home is severely allergic to stings
• Reduce areas of standing water that are conducive to mosquito development outside the home
• Mow tall grass and weeds near areas where children play to reduce encounters with ticks
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and use insect repellants when entering areas where biting insects are present

Rose Pest Solutions provides a wide range of services, including residential and commercial pest control. Technicians will always strive to use the least invasive, most eco-friendly and affordable pest control services to fit each customer’s unique needs. Rose Pest Solutions is dedicated to being good global citizens by keeping environmental impact and human safety at the forefront of its daily operations, which is demonstrated regularly in both residential and commercial services. Technicians at Rose also receive ongoing education and training, which allows them to provide the latest in pest control technology.

If you suspect you are having problems caused by unwanted pests, call Rose Pest Solutions for an appointment. 

Find your nearest Rose Pest Solutions service center here.

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