Are Cockroaches Harmful to Human Health?

Cockroaches are terrifying creatures. They plague restaurants and apartment buildings, causing all kinds of trouble. But do they cause any real harm? The answer is yes: cockroaches spread many harmful diseases and allergens. Cockroaches carry bacteria and parasites with them wherever they go, and they have the potential to make people very sick. It’s important to get rid of a cockroach infestation as soon as possible. If you suspect a cockroach infestation in your home or business, please give Cockroach Control a call so we can help.  

Cockroaches are some of the most common pests in the world and they can bite you when are very hungry. These insects are scavengers that look a lot like beetles, with shiny brown bodies and wings on their backs. Most species of cockroach do not fly. In Canada, the most common species is the German cockroach, which measures between 12 and 16mm in length. This cockroach prefers to live in the cracks and crevices of kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so they hide during the day and come out to eat at night. Common hiding spots include the tops of kitchen and bathroom cabinets, inside cupboards and drawers, under appliances, and under sinks. It doesn’t matter how clean your home is – cockroaches are attracted to any warm location. As omnivores, cockroaches will eat almost anything. 

There are several reasons why cockroaches are bad for your health. First of all, cockroaches carry loads of parasites and harmful bacteria with them. So, when cockroaches walk around your kitchen and stop to eat, they’re actively spreading things like Salmonella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Salmonella can cause illnesses like food poisoning and typhoid fever. Symptoms of these illnesses include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. A Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection can cause a variety of problems, from earaches to rashes to fever and chills. Some people are allergic to cockroaches and suffer from asthma attacks, nasal congestion, and rashes on the skin. Like dust mites, cockroach allergens pollute the air and trigger these allergic reactions. As many as 60% of people living in urban environments suffer from these allergies. In addition to these risks, cockroaches bite. It’s true – however rare, a cockroach will bite you if given the chance, and you would need to know how to prevent cockroach bites.

The key to preventing these issues is to eradicate a cockroach infestation as quickly as possible. If there is a cockroach infestation in your home or business, you will need the help of a professional. At The Exterminators Inc., we use an ultra-light volume mist that gets all the cockroaches out of their hiding spots and eliminates them immediately. We also apply residual pesticides to prevent them from coming back. Everything we use is environmentally friendly and safe for you and your pets. If you have any cockroach concerns, reach out to The Exterminators – Pest Control Mississauga. and we’ll get started.