Roaches are regarded as a potential allergen source and asthma cause. They may also carry bacteria that, if left on food, can cause disease. Roaches are “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source. But, Can Cockroaches Kill You?
Continue reading to find out more about cockroaches and what our Spokane exterminator experts recommend you to look out for.
Can cockroaches bite?
Cockroaches do not bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Their strong leg spines, on the other hand, can scratch you. A cockroach scratches could also become infected since they contain bacteria.
Diseases spread by cockroaches
Cockroaches can spread bacteria, despite the fact that there is minimal evidence linking them to specific disease outbreaks.
- Cockroaches, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carry bacteria that, when deposited on food, can cause salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus.
- WHO identifies cockroaches as carriers of dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever (WHO).
Cockroach sensitivity
Cockroaches are one of the most common causes of allergies in the home.
Enzymes in cockroach feces, body parts, eggs, and saliva cause allergies in many people. Cockroach allergies affect children more than adults.
National Pest Management Association: 63% of U.S. homes have cockroach allergies. In metropolitan areas, this figure ranges between 78 and 98 percent.
Your doctor may offer over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs to treat cockroach allergy symptoms, such as:
OTC:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
Prescribed Medicines:
- Cromolyn sodium
- Leukotriene receptor antagonist
- Desensitization therapies
Your doctor may also give bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory drugs if you have asthma.
How can cockroaches be eliminated?
You can lower the cockroach population in your home by limiting their access to water, food, and shelter, in addition to expert extermination:
- Repair leaky pipes
- Cover access points such as gaps in floors and walls
- Use cockroach traps and bait
- Keep generally damp locations dry
- Closely cover all waste containers.
- Food should be stored in sealed containers (including food in cabinets)
- Clean soiled dishes quickly after
- Clean pet food bowl (never leave pet food out).
- Remove food crumbs from tables, counters, stovetops, and floors.
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately.
- Vacuum and mop floors on a regular basis
- Clean (at least once a year) around and under rarely moved the furniture.
- Remove any junk from storage cabinets, shelves, and drawers.
Regarding cockroaches
Cockroaches are insect-like creatures. They have six long legs, two long antennae, and two wings. An adult cockroach can range in length from 1/2 to 1 inch depending on the species.
Cockroaches come in thousands of different varieties. Only roughly 30 of the thousands of species are considered pests.
The following cockroaches are designated pests in the United States:
- American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- Cockroach from Germany (Blattella germanica)
- Asian Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
- Brown-Band Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
Cockroaches can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and roach fossils dating back 350 million years have been discovered.
Takeaway
Cockroaches are adaptive insects that are commonly regarded as pests since they:
- Can be a source of allergens and an asthma trigger
- Capable of carrying hazardous bacteria
- Scratches you with their leg spines
Cockroaches will not bite you! Contact a professional and affordable exterminator if you have cockroaches in your home and take efforts to limit their access to water, food, and shelter. You can also contact us at (509) 681-3949 for more on roaches and find out What’s The Difference Between A Cockroach and A Waterbug.