Proteins are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions, or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Once a home is infested, even if you take the necessary steps to kill the pests, their dead carcasses will continue to decay and may cause environmental issues for a very long time.

Actions to prevent pests from infesting your home:
Do not leave food or garbage out;
Store food in air tight containers;
Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away;
Wash dishes as soon as you are done using them;
Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean;
Fix plumbing leaks and other moisture problems;
Seal cracks or openings around or inside cabinets;
Remove hiding places for pests from your home;
Store trash in containers with lids that close securely.

If you see pests, try using poison baits, boric acid or traps first, before using pesticide sprays. If sprays are used, limit the spray to the infested area. Do not spray where you prepare or store food, or where young children play, crawl or sleep. Carefully follow instructions on the label. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray and keep people with asthma out of the room while spraying. Afterwards, the room should be thoroughly aired out. Be sure to store the sprays in the garage or somewhere outside. These chemicals give off gasses and just by being stored inside they can increase the risk of a reaction.

Be aware that pesticides you may spray to prevent pests are not only toxic to pests but can harm people too. Try to use pest management methods that pose less of a risk. If you hire a professional pest company, be sure they are aware that there are people in the home who have asthma or allergies. There are chemicals that can be used that pose less of a risk. Sometimes perimeter spraying of the outside can be very effective as a preventative step.

For more information, contact Scott at www.scottsauer.com.