Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

With their long legs and antennae, cockroaches look quite like beetles. These bugs are scavengers and have to go out to collect food. They continue to move until they can find food, which means that keeping your home clean is one big step to keep cockroaches away. Still, it is easier said than done, many people can find cockroaches in their houses.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Yes, they are. Cockroaches may not cause diseases on their own, but they can spread bacteria and infectious agents, which can cause several diseases from food poisoning to diarrhea. Here are the explanations of why cockroaches are dangerous.

1. They Contaminate Food

Cockroaches can eat anything to survive. Except form the food you eat, they can also live by feeding on dead plant, fecal matter, animals, paper, soap, glue, and leather. While looking for food, they crawl around and contaminate your food by defecating on it. They can also contaminate food by regurgitating their own digestive fluids and saliva, which can cause several diseases such as sepsis, urinary tract infections and other digestive problems. They are also carriers of the bacterium Salmonella which can cause food poisoning and typhoid.

2. They Bite You

Along with contaminating your food, they can also bite you and cause wounds. Although the cases of cockroaches biting humans are quite rare, there is still a possibility that you will develop a wound after being bitten by these bugs. They can nibble on toes, fingernails, and soft parts of the skin. Moreover, they can enter your nose and ear while you are sleeping, which of course can cause discomfort.

3. They Cause Allergies and Asthma

The saliva of cockroaches contains hundreds of allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. You may develop skin rashes and suffer from watery eyes and sneezing. If you already have asthma, your symptoms may become worse when you are exposed to cockroach allergens. People who are not asthmatic are at a greater risk of developing it if they do nothing to clear cockroach infestation.

4. They Carry Staphylococcus Pneumoniae

Are cockroaches dangerous? They certainly are, and one of the reasons is that they carry staphylococcus pneumoniae which can cause ear infections in children and lead to other complications, including balancing problems, fever, and ear pain. Staphylococcus pneumoniae is responsible for causing serious health problems in the elderly, which may include coughing, fever, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. You may also develop pink eye due to streptococcus pneumoniae.

5. They Cause Other Diseases

Along with allergies and infections, cockroaches can cause other diseases as well. They may carry E. coli, shigella, and various forms of roundworms. You may develop vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to E. coli, whereas roundworms can cause a variety of problems depending on the type. Similarly, pinworms can cause restlessness and itching, whereas tapeworms are responsible for loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. You may develop bloody diarrhea due to shigella, whereas poliomyelitis can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue and muscle spasms.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Are cockroaches dangerous? They are, and that is why it makes sense to learn how to get rid of them. Here are some suggestions:

1. Keep Your House Clean

Keeping your house clean is the most important defense against cockroaches. They are less likely to be around your property if they cannot find food residue. You should never leave dirty dishes in the sink, and you should wipe down the counters before you go to sleep, and ensure that the stovetop is clean. It may take 15 minutes to finish all these stuffs, but making this a routine will help keep cockroaches away.

2. Seal up Holes and Cracks

Leaving holes and cracks inside your pantry provides cockroaches with a perfect place to thrive. They will get food easily and stay with you forever. Do not ignore the smallest of spaces because cockroaches can crawl through them. Have a closer look around your house and be sure to seal all the holes and cracks. Make use of a caulking gun to complete the task.

3. Do Not Ignore Water Leaks

Cockroaches need moisture to survive, and water leaks provide them with a perfect environment. Interestingly, roaches can survive for months if they do not get any food but they can survive for a few days only without water. That is why closing off their water sources makes a lot of sense.

4. Use Cockroach Baits

You can make your own natural bait to lure and kill cockroaches. Simply mix one part of powdered sugar and three parts of boric acid. Boric acid is usually safe for people, but it can kill roaches. Just sprinkle it under and behind the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Be sure to sprinkle it into cracks along the edges of your pantries and cabinets.

5. Set Traps

If natural baits do not work great, you may consider setting traps for roaches. Here are some recommendations:

  • Try store-bought traps. These traps lure roaches and then keep them trapped with an adhesive. You may require several of these to see effects, but they can definitely help. Just remember that they are not going to help you clear any nests of cockroaches.
  • Try water jars. Simply place a jar next to a wall and leave it there. Roaches can get in but cannot get out. You can place any bait in the jar to make it more effective. Again, this technique is not going to destroy the nest and eggs.
  • Try soda bottle traps. Cut off the top of a plastic soda bottle, and then invert and place the top into the left part of the bottle. Tape it into place and add some water with soap in the bottom of the bottle. Place it anywhere you believe roaches hang out more often.

Note: Are cockroaches dangerous? Yes, they are dangerous, so consider hiring a specialist if you are dealing with a roach infestation. They know how to get rid of cockroaches in a more effective and safe way. They may also provide you with an ongoing solution to keep roaches out of your property. 

 
 
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