No one needs much encouragement to call a professional roach killer at the first sign of a cockroach infestation. After all, they’re ugly, eerily fast, seemingly indestructible, and have a bad reputation for spreading nasty germs. But are roaches as dangerous as everyone seems to think? Burns Pest Elimination weighs in.
Food-borne Bacteria Spread by Cockroaches
As if we needed to raise the ick factor, cockroaches are food contamination stars. Besides changing the way our food tastes—our apologies if you’re eating right now—they spread several kinds of bacteria by vomiting and defecating on our food as they eat. The filth they spread from garbage, bathroom surfaces and sewers can wreak havoc on our bodies. From food poisoning to dysentery, these nasty critters have the potential to spread misery wherever they go.
Allergic Reactions Caused by Roaches
Food contamination isn’t the only health hazard posed by cockroaches. Their feces and shed skins can cause major respiratory problems. Particles from their hair-raising debris sometimes trigger allergic responses in people with sensitivities to this pest. Symptoms can be similar to other types of allergic reactions. Watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, sneezing and wheezing can be caused by hay fever, dust allergies and cockroach allergies alike. But roach reactions can also include more serious responses like chest tightness and asthma.
Preventing Cockroach Health Risks
Luckily, there are several precautions you can take to lower the risk of illnesses spread by roaches. Cockroaches are found in some of the cleanest homes around, but it can be easy to overlook a stray dirty dish or a few crumbs in a corner. However tired you are, it’s worth cleaning that tiny spill or sink full of dishes right away. Store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers or the refrigerator. Check bags and boxes you bring home while putting away groceries or your latest thrift-store buys. When you come home from a trip, carefully check your luggage for roaches and other pests. Make it harder for roaches to enter your home by replacing bad weather strips and repairing any cracks, gaps or leaks around doors and windows.
It’s always easier to prevent problems than to fix them. Cockroaches are amazingly invasive, so you’ll need the help of a professional roach killer team to get rid of infestations. If your home has been invaded, avoid the risk of illness by starting a pest control treatment plan right away. Burns Pest Elimination serves residential and commercial customers in the Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas areas, so contact us or request a free quote to keep your home or business pest-free all year round.
