National Pest Management Association Reveals Hidden Allergy Triggers in the Home

Are common household pests like cockroaches to blame?

FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For many allergy and asthma sufferers, tis the season for exacerbated
symptoms. In fact, May is deemed National Asthma and Allergy Awareness
Month and the National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) is helping families to better
understand some lesser-known allergy and asthma triggers found in the
home, and offering advice on how to keep homes pest- and allergy-free.

Cockroaches are one of the dirtiest and hardy culprits. Their saliva,
droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins known to
trigger symptoms, especially in children. In addition to exacerbating
skin and respiratory allergy symptoms, cockroaches also spread nearly 33
kinds of bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, six parasitic worms
and more than seven other types of human pathogens.

“Keeping a pest-free home is essential to keeping your family healthy —
and cockroaches hiding in the home may be more common than you think,”
said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “The
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports 63 percent of homes
have detectable levels of cockroach allergens and that number increases
in more densely populated, metropolitan areas. Cockroaches are a health
hazard and need to be handled immediately.”

The NPMA offers several tips for cockroach control:

• Keep your home – especially the kitchen and bathrooms – free of crumbs
  and debris
  • Vacuum frequently
  • Disinfect counters and food surfaces
  • Do not let dirty dishes pile up in the sink
  • Take out trash frequently, and store in a sealed receptacle

  If you do find signs of cockroaches, a pest professional will be able to
  inspect your home and recommend an effective course of action.

  For more information visit: www.PestWorld.org.

  About the National Pest Management Association

  The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
  established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment
  to the protection of public health, food and property. For more
  information, visit NPMAPestWorld.org.

  Contacts

  Vault Communications
  Lauren Nick
  lnick@vaultcommunications.com