Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokil has warned that blocked sinuses and sore throats may be a result of cockroaches, not the cold weather.
Rentokil are urging households and businesses to lookout for cockroaches in their premises leading up to the festive season as the insects are likely to move indoors searching for warmth, food and water when temperatures drop.
Dublin was the county that accounted for the most callouts for cockroaches this year, accounting for 44% of all cockroach callouts carried out by Rentokil in 2022. Sligo (25% of callouts), Westmeath (6%), Louth (5%) and Limerick (3%) appear to be the next most affected by these insects according to Rentokil’s callout data.
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Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant with Rentokil said that cockroaches can "pose serious health risks" as they are carriers of multiple diseases. He 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. As it gets colder at this time of year, many people may mistake these symptoms for a cold or flu as cockroaches can be difficult to detect. Cockroaches can also pose significant health risks as they are carriers of diseases such as Salmonella, Dysentery and Gastroenteritis.”
The pest control provider warned that cockroaches typically spend winter months hiding in clusters behind cupboards and doors or in cracks around cabinets and closets. They may also be found under sinks, stoves, and refrigerators.
While they may be hard to detect, one sign to watch out for is a foul-smelling odour that these insects produce when gathered in large numbers. Other indicators include the presence of shed cockroach skins, small cylindrical cockroach droppings, and brown, irregularly shaped smear marks on horizontal surfaces and wall-floor joints.
Rentokil is advising the public to take the following steps in order to help prevent or eliminate the presence of cockroaches in their home or business:
- "Eliminate food sources: Do not leave liquid in sinks or buckets, and don’t leave food out on counters. Store dry food in tightly sealed containers. Rinse used/disposable food or drink containers before putting them in the recycling bin, and empty rubbish bins regularly.
- "Clean: Be sure to clean away all food and liquid debris and spillages around the premises. Remove pet food, drink, and litter trays at night.
- "De-clutter: Remove old stacks of newspapers and magazines, cardboard boxes and general clutter from around the premises. This type of clutter is where cockroaches leave their droppings, which release an aggregation pheromone that lets other cockroaches know they’ve found safe shelter.
- "Preventative measures: To prevent cockroaches from entering your premises in the first place, be sure to keep key areas sealed such as cracks in walls, around skirting boards, behind electrical sockets, under kitchen sinks, and bathroom cabinets."
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