COCKROACH PREVENTION ISN'T NECESSARY TO PROTECT HEALTH

May 18

Cockroaches are a highly-respected, disease-bearing pest that can cause great distress. Cockroaches can be a bother to anyone. They're filthy pests that can often signal contamination and uncleanliness. According to the World Health Organization, they are "unhygienic pests in human settlements." Here is what you need to know and how to avoid them.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches could pose a number of risks and hazards to your home. Cockroaches can be carriers of many pathogens, triggers for diseases, and are a potential risk to your health. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), cockroaches can be found in between 78-98 percent of urban homes. Cockroaches thrive at temperatures over 70°F, which is why you'll often find them in the American South or in warm parts of the country.

Food Contamination & Food Poisoning

Roaches can carry up to 33 different types of harmful bacteria and pathogens in their bodies. They crawl through the feces, trash, and carcasses of dead animals to reach food sources. Roaches can often leave disease-causing pathogens in food when they contaminate it. E. coli (salmonella), staphylococcus (streptococcus), and salmonella are some of the most prevalent pathogens that they carry. These bacteria can be ingested and cause food poisoning, as well as other gastrointestinal problems. Intestinal infections can lead to diarrhea, sometimes with blood in it, stomach pain and cramping, as well as vomiting. These symptoms can persist for days.

Allergies

Cockroaches have been known to cause allergic reactions for a long time. Their saliva sheds exoskeletons, droppings, as well as other waste, which can contain allergens that, if spread around a house, could cause many reactions in health-sensitive and immunocompromised individuals. If they come into contact with skin that is not covered in their saliva, Cockroaches can cause skin reactions. Although they are not aggressive, the spines on their legs can scratch or abrade your skin. They may also leave bacteria behind that could cause an allergic reaction.

While cockroaches can't cause asthma, they can trigger asthma attacks by releasing allergens into the air. If their waste remains in the home's ozone, it can damage sensitive respiratory systems and lead to asthma-like symptoms like difficulty breathing.

Other Cockroach Diseases

History has shown that the cockroaches may also be carriers of other dangerous diseases like:

Dysentery - This is a serious intestinal infection that often causes bloody diarrhea along with fever and cramps.
Typhoid Flu: an infection by salmonella, typhoid is characterized by high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

What can I do to stop Cockroaches from getting into my house?

It is possible to eliminate or prevent cockroach infestations in your home by cleaning them regularly. Keep your surfaces clean and sanitary while you cook, seal trash bins and avoid allowing mold and mildew to grow, and use an air purifier system.

There are four primary species to be cautious about: American cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches. They can range from reddish browns to black in color and are primarily night-active. This means they will hide in dark corners, crevices, and flee from the sun. While you might not see them right away, it is time to take cockroach control steps.

Pest Busters in Olympia WA can assist you in removing cockroaches.

Pest Busters Olympia WA

Olympia Wa

(360) 226 1790