Thursday, 20 January 2022
How To Get Rid of Indoor Pest Allergens in Your Home
Allergens are usually harmless for most people. However, they can trigger allergic reactions of various kinds. Nasal congestion, itchy nose and throat, cough, and swollen eyes are some of the most common symptoms of an allergy.
Although these discomforts vary according to the severity of indoor allergic reactions, getting rid of all allergens can be a difficult task. Thankfully, if certain precautions are taken it is possible to drastically reduce its concentration. In this article, we tell you how to get rid of indoor pest allergens within your home.
What size are allergens?
The microscopic particles of allergens are measured in units called microns. Dust mite waste particles are about 20 microns in size, while pollen grains are 30 microns. In the case of cat allergen particles, they range from 1 to 20 microns in size.
Common allergens found in homes
The most common allergens found in homes include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mite
- Insects
- Pet allergies
Pollen
Pollen often finds ways of getting indoors, and it does so through clothing, dog hair, and the skin of people who live in the home. It goes without saying that pollen can also float in through open doors or windows.
In this case, it is advisable to avoid having plants that spread pollen near entry points. To eliminate the pollen that enters the house you must have a good vacuum cleaner. After vacuuming, it is recommended to wipe with a slightly damp mop to trap any remaining pollen in the environment. Additionally, a gorgeous rug that ties the room together is often the source of indoor allergies as they are rarely thoroughly cleaned.
Mold
Mold is a fungus that spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air. When these spores are inhaled, they can cause indoor allergies symptoms in people who are sensitive to this allergen. It is very common for mold to grow in warm and humid corners of the home, such as showers, window sills, under-sink cabinets, and laundry rooms.
To control the growth of mold, you must install proper ventilation and air exchange, do not dry clothes inside environments that are already humid and repair any insulation defect or water infiltration. V Extermination designs integrated pest prevention and control plans that are compliant with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are one of the most common allergens. They can be found throughout the house, although they are more common in bedrooms. These microscopic organisms can survive in hot and humid environments. Therefore, they often make themselves feel at home in bedding, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
To combat mites and prevent them from proliferating, it is necessary to ventilate the house several times during the day to eliminate the humidity that accumulates at night. You should also wash clothes at a temperature higher than 55 °C to kill all the mites that are in them. Things like blankets, duvets, and bedding should also be washed with water, as dry-cleaning cannot effectively remove allergenic particles.
Insects
Insects are also another source that can trigger allergic reactions. Cockroach allergens tend to be more widespread throughout the house than dust mites because cockroaches are very mobile. Cockroaches and their debris tend to concentrate in spaces where insects hide, such as inside cracks and crevices, behind large appliances or furniture, or anywhere else that is not easily accessible to humans.
Guide to Identify Insects in Your House
Pet allergies
People allergic to pets are most often sensitive to saliva, pet dander, or urine more than their hair. That is why hairless breeds of animals, which are sometimes praised as hypoallergenic pets, can still cause allergy symptoms.
Nobody wants to be separated from their four-legged companions, so you have to apply measures that can reduce indoor allergens. For this, it is necessary to pay special attention to domestic cleaning and frequently wash furniture, including carpets. If the pet is often washed and brushed it will significantly reduce the allergic reactions they produce.
Is it possible to get rid of indoor allergens?
With the right approach to indoor allergens, it is possible to prevent them. Do not hesitate to contact V Extermination for all your indoor pest allergens control needs. We will get rid of your infestation quickly and efficiently so that you can regain your peace of mind.
Will air-cleaning devices help?
Dust mite pests feed on human and animal dander. Vacuuming at least once a week using an air-cleaning device with a HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Filter) can help prevent them. Dehumidifiers will prevent mold and improve the overall air quality in certain rooms.
9 ways to eliminate indoor pest allergens within your home
Here are 9 ways to eliminate indoor pest allergens within your home:
- Get rid of dry indoor air
- Restrict some areas to pets
- Stop external allergens at the door
- Routinely clean
- Choose indoor plants carefully
- Layered cover
- Get rid of soft surfaces
- Wipe off dust with a damp cloth
- Use hot water
1. Get rid of dry indoor air
Having a humidifier on hand is highly recommended to counteract the drying effect of air conditioning in the summer. Sinus congestion goes hand in hand with allergies, and the humid air generated by a room humidifier helps people breathe.
The extra moisture also prevents the skin, throat, nostrils, and lips from drying out if the air conditioner is turned on while people sleep. It is better to use electric fans rather than air conditioning, as it can circulate the cold air from outside. Using more than one fan creates a cross breeze inside the home, reducing the need to turn on the air conditioner each time the temperature rises.
2. Restrict some areas to pets
When animals spend time in rooms, they often carry pet dander or other elements that can cause pet allergies. We recommend restricting some areas to pets for better nights of sleep and to give a break to your inflammatory system. This will significantly reduce the amount of time spent on cleaning as well.
3. Stop external allergens at the door
Did you know that pollen particles are one of the allergens that stick to your shoes when you enter your home? To prevent outside allergens from entering your home, be sure to remove your shoes in the hallway or outside. This is especially recommended between April and July.
You can implement a no-shoe policy indoors to reduce outside filth from entering your home. Another good practice is to place a doormat outside to wipe your shoes before entering the door.
4. Routinely clean
Regardless of the material that covers the floor, it is always important that you vacuum regularly and thoroughly. Then, a good mop to make your floor immaculate should give some peace to your inflammatory system. Be sure to buy a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration, which is capable of trapping even the smallest particles.
A cyclone vacuum that removes dirt is also a good option for removing any indoor allergen. If you have wall-to-wall carpets, you should clean them thoroughly (steam cleaning or dry-cleaning are great options) regularly if you want to get rid of dust mites. Window curtains should be washed as well.
Did you know that cockroach saliva, droppings, and decaying body parts contain allergens that can exacerbate the symptoms of allergy sufferers? To cut off roaches' food sources, try to keep a kitchen meticulously clean by storing food in airtight containers and avoiding leaving pet food out of the house. In an ideal world, all allergy sufferers who have been outdoors for a while should go straight to the shower after entering the home.
5. Choose indoor plants carefully
Most indoor houseplants are a good idea, as they do not contain the type of pollen that generates allergic reactions. Certain plants can even help clean the air by absorbing volatile organic compounds as laboratory studies show. That being said, plants can also stimulate mold growth and accumulate dust, so watch out for any signs of mold and clean them every so often. The leaves of your plants should be dusted once a week. Certain plants may attract fruit flies or other displeasing vermin so be careful of what you bring into your home!
6. Layered cover
For people with severe allergies, it is wise to remove as much of your clothing as possible as soon as you enter the home. Jackets, scarves, and hats should be shed in the laundry basket for washing. For those times when the kids have been playing soccer or doing garden activities, keep the basket nearby so you can isolate your laundry until it is time to do laundry. Remember to bundle up with many layers of clothing to kill allergens.
7. Get rid of soft surfaces
Those soft fabrics and carpet surfaces are very cozy and pleasant, but if they cause allergies, you should do something about it. When choosing furniture such as sofas, curtains, and flooring for your home, try opting for easy-to-clean material such as leather, wood, tile, plastic, or metal.
8. Wipe off the dust with a damp cloth
Wiping off the dust with a damp cloth will assuredly capture more of the particles than an old duster that has not been clean in ages. Instead of spreading the dust into the room, you will find it trapped on your rag.
9. Use hot water
It is highly advisable to wash all the fabrics you can (carpets, curtains, table covers, sheets, stuffed animals, etc.) once a week in hot water. Hot water is more effective than cold water in removing dust and mites.