Yes, cockroaches can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, because proteins in their droppings and saliva, along with their shed body parts, act as allergens for sensitive people. The EPA’s guide to asthma triggers states that droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma. Saela Pest Control is a residential and commercial pest control company, based in Orem, Utah, that treats cockroaches in homes and businesses. This article explains how the link works and how to reduce cockroaches and their allergens at home.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term lung disease: during an attack, the airways swell and narrow, so less air moves in and out. CDC’s overview of asthma lists wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing at night or early in the morning as its symptoms. Attacks happen when something bothers the lungs, and those things are called triggers. Triggers vary from person to person, so managing asthma usually combines a doctor’s treatment plan with avoiding known triggers at home, such as smoke, dust mites, mold, pet dander and pests.
How Do Cockroaches Trigger Asthma and Allergies?
Cockroaches trigger asthma and allergies through the material they leave behind, not through bites. Their saliva, droppings and shed skins collect in kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets and the spaces behind appliances, where the allergens can mix into household dust. UC IPM’s guide to cockroaches notes that indoor cockroach infestations are important sources of allergens and have been identified as risk factors for the development of asthma in children. People without asthma can still react with allergy symptoms, which is one reason cockroaches rank among the health threats posed by household pests.
How to Reduce Cockroaches and Their Allergens
The first step is to remove the food, water and hiding places cockroaches need. Following the EPA’s advice, keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean and free of clutter, clean up dishes, crumbs and spills right away, store food in airtight containers, and seal cracks or openings around and inside cabinets. Fix leaky faucets and pipes, take trash out often, and clean behind the stove and refrigerator, where grease and crumbs build up. For more ways to make a kitchen less inviting, see these tips to keep roaches from coming back.
If cockroaches keep coming back despite cleaning and sealing, a professional program can find where they hide and breed. Saela’s German cockroach treatment uses gel baits, crack-and-crevice applications, monitoring devices and a follow-up visit, which suits kitchens and bathrooms where people with asthma spend time. Its protocols are developed by Dennis Weiss, who holds the Entomological Society of America’s Board Certified Entomologist credential.
In a February 2024 Google review, Vicky described Saela’s service as “thoughtful and cautious to my personal requests,” with “great communication.” Plans differ in covered pests and visit frequency, so review Saela’s plans and pricing before you choose.
If cockroaches are affecting someone with asthma or allergies in your home, book a call to schedule a cockroach inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a cockroach allergy?
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, cockroach allergy symptoms include coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing, ear infections and sinus infections. These symptoms tend to become chronic and last beyond typical seasonal allergies. An allergist can confirm a cockroach allergy with a skin test.
Should I hire a professional for cockroaches if someone in my home has asthma?
Professional help makes sense when cockroaches persist after cleaning and sealing, because the source is usually hidden in cracks, wall voids or appliances. A good program identifies the species and hiding spots first, then uses targeted methods; Saela’s integrated pest management cycle combines identification, monitoring, targeted treatment and evaluation. Tell the technician about anyone with asthma and follow the product label and the technician’s re-entry instructions.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
