If you’re coughing and sneezing from just spending a few hours at home, you’re likely wondering what’s going on. While these symptoms can be triggered by seasonal and chronic allergies, they can also be caused by the presence of household pests like ants and cockroaches. Here is some information about insect infestations and the allergies they can cause.

How Pests Can Affect Your Family

People think of ants, spiders and millipedes as nuisances but they can also trigger allergy issues. Any family members who have respiratory problems, like asthma or lung disease, may have more symptoms than usual when they spend time in homes with pest infestations. People can also experience severe allergic reactions if they are bitten or stung by certain species like bees and scorpions.

3 Top Pests That Cause Allergies

Cockroaches spread disease, carry bacteria, and may leave feces in your house that can cause congestion, coughing, rashes, and ear infections. Dust mites are too small to see but have a significant presence, triggering allergic reactions or asthma attacks. If ants have entered your home, they may sting, causing welts or hot spots on the skin. If you’re allergic to ants, you could experience a range of symptoms from their sting, including throat swelling or difficulty breathing.

How to Tell What Is Causing Your Symptoms  

The best way to tell if pests are contributing to your allergy symptoms is to have a fumigation specialist inspect your home. They’ll assess common places for infestations like foundations, pantries, basements, attics, and walls to spot insects, feces, or other signs of habitation like boreholes and sawdust. They will recommend options to remove the bugs, like tenting and fumigation. They can also provide natural pest repellent for the exterior of the home to prevent repeat infestations.

If you’re concerned about pest-related allergies and infestations, contact Dick’s Fumigation Services in Wailuku, HI, to schedule an inspection from their experienced pest control crew. The team has provided fumigation services throughout the island of Maui for over 65 years, removing local insects and improving family health. Call (808) 244-7496 or visit the website for information on their offerings from bed bug and ant extermination to rodent removal and insect inspections.