Pests can cause seasonal allergies

It’s that time of year again, when both temperatures and allergies are on the rise. Rose Pest Solutions is focusing on allergies this spring. Not seasonal allergies caused by grass, pollen, mildew or weeds, but instead caused by pests.

Typically overlooked as the cause of seasonal allergies, pests can be a big culprit.

Warn your customers this spring that some of biggest allergy offenders include: Bed bugs, cockroaches, dust mites, rodents and overwintering pests, such as Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs.

Proteins from deceased bugs can become airborne and cause human skin to become inflamed and itchy, according to Rose. Because the proteins are airborne, this 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, BCE, manager of education and training at Troy, Mich.-based Rose Pest Solutions. “Just when you thought the problem was solved and the bug infestation was eradicated, another problem can begin.”

Bites from pests, including biting flies, mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas and ticks, can cause a range of issues and reactions. Pain, redness, stinging and minor swelling are some effects from bites. A big concern with bites is the transmission of diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile Virus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

WATCH: Syngenta’s Nicky Gallagher discusses ticks and the diseases they spread

Pest prevention

Practicing pest prevention is the key according to Vanderwerp. “You don’t have to eliminate pests that never get in in the first place,” he said.

Overwintering pests are beginning to reemerge this time of year. Sightings of stink bugs, lady beetles, or cluster flies are signs that pest prevention improvements can be made.

Here are some prevention tips to keep in mind from Rose Pest Solutions for you and your customer this spring:

• Seal cracks and openings around the outside, especially at entry points such as screen doors and windows;
• Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry;
• Use a water filter vacuum;
• Keep food sealed and stored properly;
• Don’t let garbage accumulate;
• Reduce areas of standing water;
• Mow tall grass and weeds.

What do you tell your customers about allergy season? Sound off below.

The post Pests can cause seasonal allergies appeared first on Pest Management Professional.

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/04/22/pests-cause-seasonal-allergies/
Sacramento CA