Roaches are common household pests that are highly resilient and difficult to eliminate. They reproduce quickly, making them hard to keep under control once an infestation has been established. Cockroaches will infest anywhere they can find an available supply of food, water, and shelter. They are commonly found in areas near food and moisture (kitchens and bathrooms). They are also prevalent in multiunit housing (apartments, condos, etc.). Once established in your home, roaches can cause serious health risks for you and your family. Here are some of the reasons roaches are dangerous to your health.
Carriers of Diseases
Roaches are known to carry at least 30 different types of bacteria including typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and poliomyelitis. They spread these diseases to humans by contaminating food and surfaces in our home. We can also inhale bacteria from the air near a cockroach infestation.
Allergy and Asthma Triggers
The allergens roaches carry can trigger asthma in those who are already afflicted with it. They are also known to cause asthma in those who didn’t previously have it. The incidence of allergic reactions can increase when roaches are present in the home. They are triggered by cockroach debris, including discarded shells, saliva, body parts, and feces. Their saliva is also known to cause skin rashes and sneezing.
Surface Contamination
Roaches can be found scavenging through the trash, dumpsters, on spoiled food, and even feces. They pick up contaminants from these surfaces as they crawl through them which stick to their legs and bodies and are then left behind as they crawl across our food and clean surfaces. When we eat food or touch surfaces that have been contaminated by roaches, it can cause sickness for us, as well.
Cockroach Prevention
Making your home less inviting to roaches is the first step in preventing them. Here are some cockroach prevention tips you can utilize in your home.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Take the trash out when the can is full.
- Clean toilets, tubs, and sinks regularly.
- Clean countertops with a cleaning solution.
- Keep floors swept, mopped, and vacuumed.
- Clean up pet feces from your yard.
- Keep food sealed tight.
- Throw out old or rotted food into an outdoor trashcan.
- Wipe off stovetops, tables, and counters after meals and food prep.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, toilets, and roofs.
- Use bathroom fans when bathing or showering to help reduce humidity.
- Remove any cardboard, newspapers, boxes, or other clutter.
- Caulk cracks and crevices throughout your home.
If you have a problem with roaches or other household pests, contact your local pest control company for an inspection.