Cockroach Allergy
Avoidance Tips

Gaining control over your cockroach allergy is possible, but it requires time and persistence.

With a heavy infestation of cockroaches, calling a local and reputable pest control company is the first course of action. Keep in mind that even after you have successfully exterminated all the cockroaches in your home, there is still much cockroach debris and cockroach allergens left behind.

Killing your cockroach population does not clean up the feces and body parts that are left behind. It can take up to 2-3 months of persistent cleaning to eliminate all the cockroach allergens left behind. But the rewards are worth it!

If some cockroaches are left in your home, it is all the more important to practice good housekeeping principles to keep the allergen level low. Generally speaking, most people who have cockroach allergies are either affected by asthma, will be affected by asthma, or suffer from other forms of allergic rhinitis caused by airborne allergens. An air quality monitor will let you know exactly what is in your indoor air.

The fight to keep allergens below your threshold tolerance level is an essential part of increasing the quality of your life.

Image courtesy of University of Nebraska Department of Entomology

Below are some cockroach allergy avoidance tips. Determine what best fits your family, home, allergies, and situation.

Cockroach Allergy Reduction

An air purifier can make a big difference for those who have cockroach allergy. Not only will there be a reduction of allergens, but irritants in your air environment will also be greatly reduced. If you have any type of allergies, it is even more important to maintain good indoor air quality.

Most (around 80%) of cockroach allergens are heavy and settle to the ground quickly. But the remaining 20% (consisting of wing parts, decaying body parts, and decaying fecal matter) will float through out your home.

People who have both cockroach allergy and asthma tend to be more sensitive, requiring less allergens to produce symptoms. Studies have shown that most cockroach allergens are found in the highest concentration in the kitchen. The second room on the list is the bedroom. Having a room purifier for your bedroom is consistent with the recommendation of almost all that a person who has allergies should have a room of oasis. We all need a place to go to, to find relief.

Using Allergy Proof Bedding is a component of having a room of oasis. There are more and more studies showing the importance of a good night sleep. Bedding that is impervious to allergens prevent these allergens from getting inside your pillow which is where your nose and mouth lie during the night. They also prevent allergens from being sent into the air when you make (or un-make) your bed. Without these bedding products, when you sit on your bed or engage in other activities that will compress the bed or pillow, allergens will be sent into the air for you to breathe in.

It can be argued that a vacuum with a HEPA filter can be one of the most important tools in the fight against cockroach allergies. Without the HEPA filter, you may be picking up dirt and cleaning, but you are not helping your allergies at all. On the contrary, you are most likely making them worse. Without a HEPA filter, the allergens are not being caught. As a result, they are being sent back into the air through the vacuum exhaust. The reason you are making the situation worse is because the heavier allergens that have settled are now back into the air. And the extremely small size allergens are being put back into your air at a higher level which will result in a longer time for them to settle out. Because cockroach allergens tend to be on the heavier side, the carpet will harbor and collect the allergen.

For those who have cockroach allergy, there is no substitute for a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.

Good Housekeeping Practices

• Do not use harsh cleaners that are not good for you and not good for the environment. People with cockroach allergy can be more sensitive to fumes and chemicals.
• Keeping your environment clean is so important to eliminate places that cockroaches like to live and eliminating their food and water source. Food should be stored in containers that have lids and are sealed or stored in the refrigerator.
• Garbage cans should be emptied frequently. It is best if garbage is stored in a container that has a lid. There should be an inspection for mold growth every time the container is emptied.
• For those who recycle, those items should be cleaned and air dried before being put into the recycling bin.
• It is possible for cockroaches to walk on tables and counter tops and other surfaces where we put food. Keep these areas especially clean. These are trouble spots for cockroach allergy sufferers
• Do not leave dirty dishes out over night.
• Clean under the stove and refrigerator where particles of food accumulate.

Eliminate Points of Entry

• Cockroaches can enter through the smallest cracks and crevices. Seal up any crack that you see. Places that are too big for caulking can be filled with steel wool and other material.
• Make sure there are no places of entry such as around air conditioning units, windows, cracks in the foundation, and areas where electrical or plumbing enter into the building.
• Keep drain traps filled with water. Cockroaches can enter through drains.
• Thresholds on doors should be kept as tight as possible.
• Keep screens on windows and doors. Look for loose fitting doors and windows.
• Give a good inspection to furniture and appliances before moving them inside.
• Use weather stripping products under doors to seal the gap.

Image courtesy of University of Nebraska Department of Entomology

Eliminate Places of Refuse and Shelter

• Keep the area under sinks clutter-free and moisture-free.
• Don’t allow cardboard boxes, paper, newspapers, bottles, bags and other such items lying around on the floor where cockroaches like to hide. The less clutter, the better. Lumber, firewood, and paper outside the house make an excellent refuge for cockroaches.
• Firewood should always be stacked a ways away from the house.
• Places that the cockroaches like to hide are under sinks, on cupboards shelves, in storage areas, under refrigerators, and under stoves. Keep these areas clean.These are trouble areas for those who have cockroach allergy.

Eliminate Water and Food Sources

• Do not leave water in cups, glasses, and bowls overnight. Bathtubs and sinks should also be dry.
• Eliminate sources of condensation such as water pipes which is also a water source for cockroaches.
• Over-watering plants can become a water source for cockroaches.
• Repair all plumbing leaks immediately.
• Make sure gaskets in sink faucets are in good condition and not allowing water to drip.
• Good ventilation will reduce damp areas where condensation is a problem.
• Keep your kitchen appliances and counter tops clean and food-free. This includes crumbs in toasters and toaster ovens.
• Keep any area clean where food and crumbs may fall. This includes not leaving dirty dishes lying around. It is best if eating is limited to the kitchen or dining area to prevent having a food source spread through out the house.
• Water dishes and food dishes for your pets is also a water and food source for cockroaches. They should be picked up and covered when not in use. During the overnight hours, the food should be stored in an air tight container.

Avoidance is the best policy for cockroach allergy because it is achievable. The results produce a better home environment for all family members.

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