Control Pests To Control Asthma

There is a commercial circulating on television that encourages people to get rid of household pests. It warns of the diseases brought on by rats, mice, and cockroaches.

All of these pests carry these diseases because, just like any other animal, the organisms that cause the diseases can cling to the pest and be transported. (If only the pests learned to wash their hands before they touched household food preparation surfaces, utensils, and even food!)

Nevertheless, there is a very serious disease brought upon by pests, particularly insects (like cockroaches), that is not attributable to the microorganisms they carry. Instead, it is the pests' bodies (or body parts) that cause the disease...

In the United Kingdom, about 5.1 million people (one-third of them children) suffer from asthma. Millions of pounds are spent in the treatment and management of asthma (and the loss of productivity from someone with asthma), and the quality of life of an asthmatic is diminished when the disease is not managed successfully. Asthma is an inflammation of the airways that make it hard to breathe.

While there are several causes for asthma, like genetics and certain infections, infectious diseases and allergies are the biggest causes. After a respiratory infection, the immune system around the respiratory path remains on high alert (hypersensitive).

When the person comes into contact with any more irritants (like other viruses and bacteria and/or allergens) the inflammatory process kicks into gear and causes asthmatic symptoms. The breathing pathways become inflamed and less able to stretch. This constriction brings on the symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Cockroaches and other insects dry out quickly when they die (especially if agents like boric acid are used to dry them out). Their bodies then disintegrate and become part of the household dust we all see accumulate. This organic (coming from living or once-living organisms) matter is what triggers indoor allergies. People with sensitive bronchi (the tubes that carry air into your lungs) develop asthmatic symptoms when confronted with the dust.

Asthma is kind of a perpetual cycle of disease. Respiratory infections or allergies lead to inflammation and that inflammation can lead to more disease. In fact, asthmatics are in the high risk groups for complications from influenza.

Pest control is vital if you are, or live with, an asthmatic. No cockroaches = no dead cockroaches = less organic material in your house dust.

Controlling Cockroaches

To control cockroaches, it is important to do a thorough inspection. A cockroach survey (trapping) is sometimes necessary to determine the extent of an infestation, as even a thorough inspection does not always reveal all cockroach harborages or foraging areas.

Modifying the interior environment – removing food, moisture, and harborages available to cockroaches – is the first step in treatment. Eliminating cockroach harborages involves caulking in closets and cabinets, caulking under the sink, etc., or making similar structural repairs in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the house.

Dusts such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth can be applied to voids and other harborages such as cracks and crevices. Dusts should be applied lightly and should not be placed where children or pets could come into contact with them. Take care to keep children away from areas treated with boric acid. Take precautions to assure that the dusts do not contaminate food.

Article provided by SDA Pest Control