Symptoms of the common cold or flu could mean your home is infested with roaches, experts warn.
With Irish temperatures set to plummet this week, the six-legged creatures are likely to move inland in search of warmth, access to water and food.
Rentokil warned that families may not even know they have an infestation, as the scurrying insects can be hard to spot.
However, its invasion could cause significant problems for a person’s health.
Pest control experts say that symptoms like blocked sinuses or a sore throat may be due to large numbers of roaches.
Rentokil’s Richard Faulkner explained: “Cockroaches leave traces of their saliva, faeces, and body parts in the space they occupy. These traces contain certain proteins which act as allergens and can cause blocked sinuses, ear and sinus infections, irritation around the nose and eyes, and a persistent cough,” reports The Mirror.
Cockroaches often spend the cold winter months hiding in groups behind cabinets and doors or in crevices around cabinets and cupboards. Other hiding places include sinks, stoves, and refrigerators.
Pests can be difficult to detect, so home and business owners may experience an infestation and not realize it.
One sign to watch out for is an unpleasant odor that these insects produce when they gather in large numbers. Other indicators include the presence of scattered roach skins, small cylindrical roach droppings, and irregularly shaped brown spots on horizontal surfaces and wall-to-floor joints.
Eliminate food sources: Don’t leave liquids in sinks or buckets, and don’t leave food on counters. Store dry food in tightly closed containers. Rinse used/disposable food or drink containers before placing them in the recycling bin and empty trash bins regularly.
Clean Up: Be sure to clean up all food and liquid debris and spills around the facility. Remove food, drink and bedding from pets at night.
Clutter: Remove old stacks of newspapers and magazines, cardboard boxes, and general clutter from around the place. This type of mess is where roaches drop their droppings, which release a clumping pheromone that lets other roaches know they’ve found a safe haven.
Preventive Measures – To prevent roaches from entering your facility, be sure to keep key areas sealed, such as cracks in walls, around baseboards, behind electrical outlets, under kitchen sinks, and bathroom cabinets.
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