Is A Cockroach Infestation Dangerous?
A cockroach crawling across the floor is one of the most unpleasant sights for a homeowner. It is not only because of their cringe-worthy appearance but also the fear of having a whole population hiding around the home. Like most pests, cockroaches invade a place looking for food, water, and shelter. Most urban homes check all the boxes, and even though it’s tough to detect their presence, a homeowner cannot eliminate the possibility of them lurking nearby. Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures and experts at hiding, and if you have seen one, there is most likely an infestation. The first thing to do is call a pest service to get rid of these disgusting creatures.
Some homeowners may choose to overlook the presence of cockroaches in their home, but not after knowing how hazardous they are and the potential harm their infestation can inflict on their health. Here are some of the dangers a cockroach infestation poses:
Diseases
Cockroaches are unsanitary and filthy creatures known to carry several pathogens, bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and germs. They transfer urine, feces, and other harmful fluids throughout the home and transmit diseases, including sepsis, cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, bubonic plague, leprosy, and typhoid. These can be particularly threatening for people with an already compromised immune system.
Food contamination
Cockroaches feed on anything, from human food to plants, soap, and paper, and tend to defecate on their food source while eating. It not only infects food but also contaminates any surface they move through. A cockroach infestation poses a threat of contamination to almost everything in the house. Eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated can cause food poisoning and other severe illnesses.
Triggers allergies
If there are people in the house with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues, a cockroach infestation can aggravate their condition. Their saliva, feces, and body parts (from shedding) carry allergens responsible for causing rashes, itchiness, and sneezing. Even when you don’t have asthma or any allergies, inhaling cockroach allergens can cause these conditions.
Cockroaches can hide anywhere, from inside wall cracks, kitchen cupboards, pantry, gardens, to behind the fridge, AC, underneath sinks, and stacks of cardboard. Though cockroaches rarely bite, they can infect you through a scratch with their leg spines.
How to prevent cockroach infestation?
Follow highest sanitary practices
Eliminate all possible food sources
Regularly empty and clean house cabinets
Use a disinfectant spray to clean surfaces
Use trash cans with a tight lid and empty them every day
Fix leaks
Seal wall and floor cracks
Use sealed containers to store food
Limit areas of food consumption
Declutter
Cockroach infestations are dangerous. Ignoring the presence of cockroaches can have severe consequences. The fear of infections, allergies, and their disgusting appearance are among the various reasons a cockroach infestation requires prompt action by a homeowner. Avoid over-the-counter as they can do more harm than good. Hiring a licensed pest service is the best bet to keep you and the family safe. They will help eradicate cockroaches and other common household pests from the property and suggest ways to avert future infestations.
