Jackie Thompson
The average American generates over four pounds of trash each day, though thankfully, recycling has become the standard in the U.S., and is even enforced by authorities in some places. However, recycling can have its problems, especially if pests are attracted to your bins and your asthma flares up because of it. If you recycle, here’s what you need to know about pests and asthma risks while you do your part in helping the environment—and what you can do to prevent both.
Pests in Your Recycling
If you’re keeping your recycling bins outside, pests like cockroaches, flies or rodents are likely to be attracted to them. Cockroaches tend to thrive in warm, moist and dark environments, generally in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making a closed recycling bin sitting outside your house in the summertime the perfect environment. Other reasons pests may be attracted to your recycling include food and beverage residue that might be lurking at the bottom of your bins or within the recyclables themselves, which can also attract mice and flies (and after some time, maggots). What makes it even more attractive to pests is hot weather, coupled with the reality that many recyclers leave their bins sitting for a long period of time before emptying them. This type of environment is ideal for such pests to live and breed, and can make for a less than enjoyable surprise the next time you empty your bins.
Asthma Risks to Be Aware Of
While pests like cockroaches and rodents are already quite unpleasant and stressful to deal with, it’s important to keep in mind that they can cause health issues as well. Many people may find that they’re allergic to these pests, which can cause an array of symptoms depending on the pest involved, including difficulty breathing, itchy eyes and other symptoms like coughing. Pests can also exacerbate symptoms for those who experience asthma, making being near your recycling nearly unbearable—and dangerous to your health. For instance, symptoms for asthmatic individuals can include chest pain, wheezing and shortness of breath, and can also trigger an asthma attack.
Precautions You Can Take
Perhaps one of the best ways you can prevent asthma from pests in your recycling is to prevent them from coming in the first place. There are several ways you can do this. For example, one of the easiest things you can do is to rinse out your recyclables before you even think about putting them in the bin, as this can prevent food and beverage residue from spilling and then collecting at the bottom. Keeping your recycling bins clean, and taking care to wash them out regularly when emptying them can also help to keep things hygienic and pest free.
It’s also important to remember to take your recycling out often—even when your bins might not be completely full. By doing so, you can prevent your recycling from sitting outside in the heat for too long. Setting reminders or marking your calendar can help you remember when it needs to be done. However, if you already have a pest problem, it’s important to handle the situation carefully—calling a professional exterminator can help, especially if your pest problem has gotten out of hand. Otherwise, if you suspect an issue, it’s important to take the proper precautions and wear proper respiratory protection to prevent irritation from potential pests.
Recycling is a great way to be eco-friendly throughout your daily life, though it’s important to keep in mind that pests and asthma issues can become a problem when you’re not careful. For such reasons, it’s necessary to take the proper precautions when recycling, such as keeping your recyclables and bins clean.