If just hearing the word “cockroach” makes your skin crawl, the idea of one crawling across your countertops is likely to be absolutely repulsive. But are cockroaches really that bad? Do they pose a real risk to humans? Unfortunately, the answer is a very big yes! In fact, cockroaches are not only bad, but they pose a significant cause for concern when it comes to the health and well-being of your family and friends. And seeing one cockroach in your home likely means there are many, many more.
Key takeaways
- Cockroaches carry and spread bacteria that can cause diseases like salmonella and staphylococcus.
- Cockroach bites can cause minor irritation and possible infection.
- Cockroaches spread dirt, fecal matter, and allergens throughout your home, contributing to allergies and asthma.
- Cockroaches can contaminate food, leading to food poisoning and Staphylococcus infection.
- Cockroaches can invade personal spaces like ears and noses, causing damage and requiring surgical intervention.
6 reasons why cockroaches are bad
When it comes to cockroaches, including German cockroaches, the threat to human health is very real. They have the potential to cause serious disease, as well as affect those with allergies and asthma. But how exactly do they pose a threat?
Cockroaches carry disease
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that cockroaches carry and transmit many different forms of bacteria that can cause health conditions such as salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. They spread these bacteria as they walk across surfaces and when they make their way into food within your home.
They can bite and scratch
While cockroach bites are extremely rare, they can happen. Cockroaches typically bite as a defense mechanism or when they are looking for food. Even the tiniest crumbs on your fingertips or around your mouth while you sleep can be an open invitation for potential feasting and the risk of a bite. These bites can cause minor irritation and the risk of possible infection. Instead of a bite, you are more likely to get irritation and infection from a scratch created by the spines on a cockroach’s legs.
They are dirty
As we have mentioned, cockroaches carry a wealth of bacteria, dirt, fecal matter, and much more on their bodies and legs, and, when they move throughout your home, they spread this “dirt” everywhere, creating unsanitary conditions everywhere.
Can contribute to allergies and asthma
Cockroaches are one of the most common sources of indoor allergens that include excrement, shedding body parts, eggs, and saliva. These allergens are responsible for triggering allergies and asthma in both children and adults, with children being much more susceptible.
Food contamination and food poisoning
If you have a cockroach infestation in your food, chances are all of your food is contaminated. When a cockroach crawls into packages of food, they carry bacteria, fecal matter, dead skin, and much more with them, depositing this into your food. If you eat this contaminated food, chances are you will develop some form of food poisoning that will result in an upset stomach and diarrhea, but you can also end up with a Staphylococcus infection.
Invasion of personal space
Cockroaches look for small, warm, humid areas to hide and no place is out of bounds as far as they are concerned. Unfortunately, while you are asleep, your nose or ears provide these small hiding places and cockroaches are not afraid to enter and invade your space. Yes, this does actually happen! The bad news is that while they can get into your ear or nose easily, they often find themselves stuck and unable to get out. When this happens in the ear canal, the cockroach will often scratch at the eardrum trying to get out, causing damage. In many cases, surgical intervention is necessary to remove the cockroach.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches can pose a dangerous risk to the health and well-being of your family, especially small children. If you see cockroaches in your home, it is necessary to call a professional pest control specialist to help you eliminate the pests and work to prevent an infestation from reoccurring.
Do not share your space with cockroaches
Unfortunately, California is home to many different species of cockroaches, with the most problematic and common species being the German cockroach. These troublesome, disease-spreading insects do not belong in your home, and preventing their entrance is one of the most important steps in pest management. You can accomplish this by sealing up points of entry, keeping food in sealed storage containers, and reducing moisture inside and around your home. However, if these methods are not effective and you see a cockroach in your home, it is time to call the professionals and eliminate this health risk immediately.
At Insight Pest Management, our team of expert technicians understand cockroach behavior and specialize in their removal, as well as providing you with a prevention plan that addresses points of entry and other prevention methods that make your home less appealing to the cockroach community. To learn more about how we can help keep you cockroach-free, schedule your free evaluation today.
