Most people already know a fair amount about allergic reactions to stinging and biting insects such as bees, wasps, and mosquitoes. However, non-stinging and non-biting insects can also cause allergic reactions, particularly cockroaches and insect-like dust mites.  These two insects may be the most common cause of year-round allergy and asthma. Unlike a cockroach, a dust mite is too small to see with the naked eye. The cockroach and dust mite’s waste and body cause allergic reactions. They also can trigger asthma symptoms and asthma attacks.

An allergic reation to insects that sting or bite, like bees, wasps, and mosquitoes cause pain, redness, itching and minor swelling in the area around the bite or sting. Occasionally the allergic reaction is severe causing anaphylaxis and even death.

An allergic reaction to insects that don’t sting or bite, like cockroaches or dust mites, is different. You may sneeze, cough, have a runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes, nose, mouth or throat. These symptoms can be confused with the common cold, but last for weeks or months at a time. If you have asthma, an allergic reaction could trigger asthma symptoms or an asthma attack.