Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches are not just an unsightly nuisance in a home, they can pose serious health risks to the inhabitants of your home. They are known to carry a variety of diseases and bacteria that are dangerous to your health. In addition to bringing diseases and bacteria, a cockroach infestation can aggravate both allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.

Health Risks

Even though cockroaches are not known to bite or sting, they are still dangerous pests to have inside a home. They like to live in areas that are damp like drains and sewers which are areas where viruses, bacteria, and parasites thrive. Due to them crawling through these areas, cockroaches can bring a variety of pathogens into your home, contaminating food and surfaces. Common diseases spread by cockroaches include:

• Staphylococcus
• Salmonella
• E. Coli
• Parasitic worms

All of these pathogens can have mild to serious effects on a person’s health and can even lead to hospitalization in some cases.

According to the American Lung Association, cockroaches can worsen asthma and even cause allergic reactions. Their casts that are left behind from molting and feces are known to cause allergic reactions or make asthma symptoms worse for those who are sensitive.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Since cockroaches can be hazardous pests to have in a home, it is important to know the signs of an infestation. The easiest way to know if you have a cockroach infestation is to see one or ten running across your floor or from behind an appliance but even if you do not see a cockroach, there are a few ways to tell if you have an infestation. One common sign is to find their skins or casts. As cockroaches grow they molt their skin, leaving a telltale sign of an infestation. In addition to leaving skins, cockroaches will also leave small, pepper-like droppings. Lastly, when an infestation gets large enough, you may notice a new musty smell within your home. This smell is from a pheromone that attracts other cockroaches and can get worse the larger an infestation grows.

Making Sure You Have a Cockroach Free Home

Cockroaches will enter a home looking for an area to nest, food and water. Ensuring small cracks and holes are filled, paper materials are thrown away or kept off the floor, damp areas are dried out, food is kept in airtight containers and all food crumbs are swept or vacuumed will help deter an infestation. If you suspect roaches have entered your home, it is important to look for an experienced and efficient pest control company like Rocket Pest. With over 65 years of experience in dealing with pests, our expert technicians will ensure your home is a safe and healthy place to live. Contact us to learn how Rocket Pest can help!