Sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties can have many possible causes. Pollen, mould, house dust mites, pets and other environmental allergens are common triggers. Materials produced by certain household pests may also contribute to allergic symptoms in people who have become sensitised to them.
Cockroach debris, rodent allergens and house dust mite material are particularly relevant to indoor respiratory allergies. Bed bugs and fleas are different because they more commonly cause reactions where a person has been bitten.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators can inspect your home for pest activity and provide an appropriate pest management plan. However, pest technicians cannot diagnose allergies or determine the medical cause of respiratory or skin symptoms. Speak with a doctor or qualified allergy specialist if symptoms are persistent, unexplained or severe.
How Can Pests Trigger Allergic Reactions?
An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance that is harmless to most people. The substance that triggers the reaction is called an allergen.
Depending on the pest, allergens may be present in:
- Faeces
- Saliva
- Urine
- Shed skins
- Body fragments
- Secretions
- Dust contaminated by pest material
When particles become mixed with household dust, susceptible people may inhale them or come into contact with them through their skin. Possible symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Skin irritation
- Hives
- An asthma flare-up in susceptible people
These symptoms are not proof that pests are responsible. Similar symptoms can result from pollen, mould, pets, dust mites, infections and other environmental factors. Allergy testing and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
ASCIA recommends confirming the allergen because effective management depends on knowing what is causing the symptoms. allergy.org.au
Household Pests Associated with Allergic Reactions
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are an important indoor source of pest allergens. Allergens may be found in their faeces, saliva, shed skins and body fragments. These materials can mix with dust and remain in cracks, cupboards, carpets and other areas after the live cockroaches have been treated.
In sensitised people, cockroach allergens may contribute to allergic rhinitis or asthma symptoms. Asthma can have numerous triggers, so a cockroach infestation should not automatically be assumed to be the cause of breathing problems.
Signs of cockroach activity can include:
- Live or dead cockroaches
- Droppings resembling pepper or coffee grounds
- Egg cases
- Shed skins
- A persistent odour in a substantial infestation
- Activity around appliances, cupboards or plumbing
Professional control may use a combination of monitoring, gel baits, dusts and targeted insecticide applications. Cleaning is also important because treatment may kill cockroaches without removing the allergenic debris they have left behind.
If you suspect an indoor infestation, read what to do when you find a German cockroach in your home.
Rats and Mice
Rodent allergens can be present in urine, saliva, dander and nesting material. As contaminated material dries, small particles may become incorporated into household dust.
People exposed to rodents may experience respiratory or skin symptoms, although only a health professional can determine whether rodent allergens are responsible.
Rodent infestations can also contaminate food and surfaces. Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings without first obtaining appropriate cleaning advice, as this can disturb contaminated dust.
Professional rodent management may include:
- Inspection and monitoring
- Trapping or secured bait stations
- Locating entry points
- Food and waste management
- Recommendations for proofing gaps
- Removal of accessible nesting material where appropriate
Learn more about rodent control in Newcastle.
House Dust Mites
House dust mites are microscopic arachnids rather than insects. They commonly live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, soft furnishings and other places where skin flakes accumulate.
Their bodies, secretions and faeces contain proteins that can trigger allergic rhinitis, eczema or asthma symptoms in sensitised people. Dust mites do not bite. Better Health Channel
Dust mite management differs from ordinary pest extermination. Depending on medical advice, it may involve:
- Washing bedding according to recommended instructions
- Using suitable mattress and pillow covers
- Reducing indoor humidity where practical
- Cleaning and vacuuming with appropriate equipment
- Removing or managing dust-holding furnishings
- Following an allergen-reduction plan recommended by a health professional
Do not imply that a general pest treatment will eliminate house dust mite allergy. A doctor or allergy specialist should guide medical allergen management.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed on blood and commonly cause itchy, red bite reactions. Some people show little or no reaction, while others develop swollen or inflamed welts. Rare allergic reactions are possible, but bed bugs should not be described as a common cause of asthma attacks.
Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease to people. Their main health effects include itching, sleep disruption and, occasionally, allergic reactions. CDC
Bite marks alone cannot confirm a bed bug infestation. Confirmation requires finding bed bugs or evidence such as faecal spots, shed skins or eggs.
If you find suspicious signs, follow our guide to getting rid of bed bugs or arrange a professional inspection.
Fleas
Flea bites usually cause small, itchy red marks, often around the lower legs or ankles. Some people develop more substantial local swelling, hives or persistent itching.
A severe allergic reaction following an insect bite is possible, but it is less common than anaphylaxis caused by insect stings. Healthdirect identifies bees, wasps and Australian jack jumper ants as more common insect causes of anaphylaxis in Australia. healthdirect
Flea management usually needs to address:
- Pets, under veterinary advice
- Pet bedding
- Carpets and rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Floor edges and cracks
- Outdoor resting areas used by pets
- Flea eggs, larvae and adults
Treating the building without treating affected pets can allow the infestation to continue. Ask a veterinarian which flea product is suitable for each animal.
For further information, read what you need to know about fleas.
Allergies, Bite Reactions and Insect Stings Are Different
The original article combines several different medical issues under “allergies and hay fever.” These should be separated.
Respiratory allergy
Cockroach, rodent and house dust mite allergens may contribute to nasal or asthma symptoms in sensitised people.
Bite reaction
Bed bug and flea bites more commonly cause local redness, swelling and itching. These reactions do not necessarily mean that the person has a respiratory allergy.
Sting allergy
Bees, wasps and some ants inject venom when they sting. In susceptible people, venom can cause a severe systemic allergic reaction.
Bites are less likely than stings to cause anaphylaxis, although severe reactions remain possible. Better Health Channel
This distinction is important because the pest management response and medical advice differ.
When to Seek Medical Assistance
Pest control is not a substitute for medical care.
Speak with a doctor or pharmacist if:
- Bite reactions are painful, widespread or worsening
- Scratching has broken the skin
- The affected area shows signs of infection
- Respiratory or nasal symptoms continue
- Asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent
- You are unsure what caused the reaction
Call Triple Zero on 000 immediately if someone develops signs of anaphylaxis, which may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Wheezing or persistent coughing
- Dizziness or collapse
- A sudden widespread reaction affecting several body systems
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Pest Control and Allergen Reduction
Pest control may reduce ongoing production of pest allergens by controlling the infestation. However, it does not instantly remove allergenic material already present in dust, carpets, furnishings, wall voids or cupboards.
A suitable plan may involve:
- Identifying the pest.
- Inspecting harbourage and entry points.
- Applying targeted pest control.
- Repairing leaks and sealing entry gaps.
- Removing food and water sources.
- Cleaning contaminated areas appropriately.
- Monitoring for continuing activity.
- Following medical allergen-reduction advice.
Cleaning methods should suit the type and extent of contamination. Significant rodent contamination, for example, may require different precautions from routine cleaning after cockroach control.
Preparing for Pest Treatment When You Have Allergies or Asthma
Tell the pest control provider before treatment if someone at the property has:
- Asthma
- A known allergy
- Chemical sensitivity
- A previous severe insect reaction
- Other relevant health concerns
- Pets, fish tanks or sensitive animals
This information allows the technician to consider suitable treatment locations and provide the applicable preparation and re-entry instructions. It does not mean a pest technician can determine which treatment is medically safe for every individual. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about how a proposed treatment may affect an existing condition.
Only registered products should be applied, and all label directions must be followed.
Pest Management for Newcastle Homes
If you find cockroaches, rodents, bed bugs or fleas, Newcastle Pest Exterminators can inspect the property, identify the pest evidence and recommend an appropriate management plan.
Our role is to address the pest problem. A doctor or qualified allergy specialist must diagnose allergies and advise on medical treatment. Combining appropriate pest management, cleaning and medical advice provides a more reliable approach than assuming pests are the sole cause of unexplained symptoms.
Contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators to arrange a pest inspection or discuss the signs you have found at your property.
