Can cockroaches and ants cause allergies?

We often ignore common household pests like cockroaches, bedbugs and ants until they become very visible problems. It’s usually only then that pest control services are called in. But research shows that in the time it takes for these pests to become a problem, they can also aggravate health issues like cockroach allergies and asthma attacks. Cockroaches and ants can also cause gastrointestinal issues if exposed to food.

Bed bug, ant and cockroach allergies

Ants and cockroaches are some of the most common pests in Singapore. Most of the time, they’re quickly dispatched with a pesticide and forgotten. But the presence of these pests also means that their faeces, shed skin and other biological material are present – all of which are allergens and contain harmful pathogens. This makes it all the more important to employ pest control services pre-emptively.

Because these particles are so light, vacuuming and turning on fans can also cause allergens to become airborne. Research has also shown that children growing up in homes with German cockroaches (a particular species commonly found in Singapore) are more likely to suffer from allergies and asthma.

The above is also true for bedbugs, a highly resilient pest that can cause allergic reactions through both shed biological material as well as directly through bites.

Cockroaches and ants can cause diarrhea, salmonella poisoning and more

Another way cockroaches, ants and houseflies can harm your health is by spreading harmful bacteria like salmonella and streptococcus. These pests commonly invade households through bacteria-filled environments like sewers and drains. Once in the home they can contaminate food that if eaten can cause a variety of gastrointestinal issues ranging from diarrhoea to dysentery.

Why you should opt for preventative pest control services

By the time an infestation takes root, allergic reactions and other health issues may already have been triggered. Commercially available pesticide sprays and cockroach and ant traps are short-term solutions that don’t address the source of the problem. In situations like this, it’s always best to rely on professional pest control services like Rentokil Singapore.

Rentokil offers pre-emptive pest control services for the home

With over 90 years of experience, Rentokil Singapore is a pest control service that offers effective treatments administered by NEA-certified professionals. It offers a range of environmentally friendly treatment options for a wide variety of household pests including cockroaches, ants and bedbugs. And with a two-hour response time (Mondays to Fridays), you’ll be able to quickly nip your pest problems in the bud.

From now until 15 February, Rentokil Singapore is also offering a 10% off on their Flush Out treatment. The treatment is effective against flies, bedbugs, cockroaches and ants.

Rentokil’s experts will develop an effective pest control program for your property, by following these steps:

1. As a first step in the process, they’ll begin with a thorough survey of your property. This includes looking for typical signs of pests, and identifying potential shelter sites and the invading species.
2. They will make use of safe, targeted treatments using non-toxic control products where possible. Products used include a spray, gel bait or dusting powders.
3. They’ll carry out a discreet treatment at your convenience to minimise disruption to your business or home life.
4. They will also provide professional prevention advice on how to proof your premises and prevent a re-infestation.
5. If required, a technician will arrange follow up visits to re-treat the identified hiding spots.

Written in collaboration with Rentokil Singapore.

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Dinesh Ajith

Dinesh is a seasoned writer and editor with seven years of experience covering travel, restaurants and bars. His interests include film photography, cheesy 90s monster flicks, and scouring the island for under-the-radar craft beer bars.