Triggers Inhalant Allergens   - Animal Allergens   - House Dust Mites   - Cockroaches   - Molds   - Pollens Occupational Exposure Irritants   - Tobacco   - Pollution Variable Factors   - Exercise   - Pregnancy   - Menstrual Cycle   - Stress/Emotions   - Weather Changes Other Factors   - Food Additives   - Reflux   - Medications   - Sinusitis   - Viral Infections

For a version suitable for printing, click here. Cockroaches Cockroaches live everywhere, but are found at higher levels in the older, multi-storied, and poorly maintained areas of the inner city. They're a given in year-round tropical climates, but with the prevalence of central heating, roaches can live anywhere in any season. The older the housing the more likely there will be remnants of cockroaches. Cockroaches aren't concerned with intimidating you or making you sick. They're only looking for something to eat. Eliminate possible food sources and you'll likely eliminate roaches. Here are some helpful hints to control roaches in your home: Keep food preparation and storage areas free of dirty dishes, trash, and crumbs. Don't let dirty dishes sit in the dishwasher. Clean up spills and messes right away. Wipe down interiors of drawers and cabinets -- don't let crumbs and grime accumulate. Restrict all eating to the dining room. If this is not possible and you eat in front of the television, use TV trays and clean them often. Designate one garbage can for food refuse, not several about the house. Make sure food-related garbage goes into a tight-lidded garbage can, whether in the house, the garage, or outside. Use plastic garbage bags that can be tightly tied and kept outside when full. Don't let garbage bags collect outside against the house. See that they make it to the curb for weekly trash pickup. Clean and disinfect the garbage can every few months, or as it becomes food stained. Don't leave the pet food dish out over night. Put it in the refrigerator if you are unable to clean it every night. Store dry foods, including pet foods, in plastic containers with lids. Clean beneath the stove and refrigerator at least once a year. Keep countertops microwaves, toasters, and toaster ovens free of crumbs. Reduce moisture by fixing leaky pipes. Roach "traps" placed in the kitchen, bathrooms, and cellars away from children and pets are a good method of control. While you may not be able to avoid cockroaches entirely, you can contact the Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center to schedule an appointment with an allergy specialist, who will help you manage and control your allergy symptoms. Forward to Molds » « Back to House Dust Mites ^ Back to Top

Our Doctors: Dr. Carolyn Comer Dr. Weily Soong Dr. Adina Kay Knight For Appointments: To schedule an appointment with Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center call (205) 871-9661 Our Homewood Location: 10 Old Montgomery Hwy. Our Hwy 280 Location: 13521 Hwy 280 Our Hoover Location: 2010 Patton Chapel Rd.

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