Why Cockroaches Are Harmful To Your Health

a cockroach on a surface

Pests are not only infamous for being great nuisances but are dangerous carriers of disease as well. Infestations are a problem that every homeowner will have to deal with at one point—and the unfortunate truth is that once they’ve infiltrated your home without you realising it, these pests can be really tough to get rid of. 

This is a major cause for concern, as many pests can seriously harm your health and destroy your property. One such pest that is especially hazardous is the cockroach. While not all cockroaches are this harmful, it’s good to be on the lookout for the species that can cause more damage to you and your estate. 

Understanding their anatomy and feeding habits will make you realise why an eco-friendly pest control measure in Sydney should be called to your doorstep if you ever see even a single roach in your home. 

Cockroaches and Spreading Diseases

You may notice roaches the most when you’re making a trip to the kitchen at night for a glass of water or a snack. This is because they are nocturnal beings and are most active at night in their search for any organic material to feed on. As they look for food, they pick up plenty of bacteria along the way which can be harmful to people. This is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or utensils that roaches usually crawl on.

Roaches can also cause allergic reactions when their saliva or other bodily fluids come into contact with human skin. Certain proteins on roaches’ bodies trigger allergens that can cause reactions to flare up, such as in the case of asthmatic attacks. Since cockroaches are attracted to warm and humid places, they can also crawl into ears and open mouths while humans sleep—a recipe for infection. 

Which Diseases Do Cockroaches Spread?

bacteria

Cockroaches spread diseases quickly due to their preferred habitats and thanks to their anatomy. 

The spine-like attachments on their legs give bacteria more surface area to cling onto. Aside from that, it also allows them to pick up and deposit germs with ease as they pass through sewer pipes and garbage cans. Unfortunately, that includes people’s homes as well! Roaches spread germs that are associated with diseases such as dysentery, diarrhoea, typhoid fever, dermatitis, gastroenteritis, and many more.

Protecting Your Health and Preventing Diseases from Roaches

Taking preventive measures is more effective and safer in the long run than curing disease, and those passed on through pests are no exception. Keeping cockroaches away from your household as much as possible can prevent an infestation that’s difficult to get rid of. 

Here are some ways to keep your home roach and disease-free:

  • Practice good food hygiene by storing everything in airtight containers. Make it a habit not to leave food out on tables for long periods, and clean up right away. 
  • Seal all cracks as much as possible, as these are common entryways for roaches. 
  • Keep your home neat and tidy to prevent pockets of dark, moist areas that roaches can breed in. 
  • Practice basic organic pest control at home with safe and environmentally insecticide. Use this immediately when you notice cockroaches on your property.
  • If a severe roach infestation has already occurred, do not hesitate to call child-friendly pest control services in Sydney to address the problem.

Conclusion

Cockroaches may be known to be one of the most repulsive pests out there; but more than being disgusting, it’s important to get rid of them due to the numerous health risks that they can bring into your home. By taking preventive measures and keeping local pest control services on-call, you’ll be able to manage the roach population in your house as well as reduce any incidents of serious illness!

Clean and Green Pest provides pest control services in Sydney and the Northern Beaches. We eradicate common pests found in homes and workplaces, including cockroaches, ants, fleas, silverfish, rodents, and more. Contact us for a quote today!