Cockroaches are considered disgusting creatures for several reasons. But are roaches dangerous? Yes, they are, since they carry at least 30 different species of bacteria that threaten your health.
Any bacteria that cockroaches carry can be inhaled simply by breathing the air they have infected. The illnesses that roaches carry include typhoid fever, cholera, diarrhea, and more.
These cockroaches reside and spread wherever they can locate dependable sources of food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, they find all their requirements in our houses. Getting rid of cockroaches becomes a pain once they spread out, but it is necessary to protect ourselves from their filth.
Keep reading to know how harmful these cockroaches can be and how to get rid of these nasty pests.
Are Cockroaches Just Disgusting or Dangerous?
These creepy crawlers roaming around your house are not a pleasant sight. However, not only are these pests disgusting, but they are also quite hazardous to health. The reason why people feel disgusted with cockroaches is the exact reason why they are dangerous.
Apart from their unsettling, they look disgusting because they mainly live in gutters, sewerage lines, and damp corners that gather dirt. It makes them dangerous to your health and house.
Why Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches are dangerous because of the bacteria, viruses, and parasites they carry. They spread the diseases through the air or by getting in contact with your food. A cockroach can spread illnesses through:
Dirty Exoskeleton
Cockroaches live in unhygienic places like sewage pipes, drainage holes, garbage dumps, bathrooms, and other moist places that catch dirt. They carry dirt, bacteria, viruses, and parasites from these areas on their body and transfer them to the air in our house.
Moreover, when cockroaches crawl over our furniture, they leave a trail of pathogens that can cause allergies and serious illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these cockroaches are “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements” that can trigger many health issues by touching our everyday items.
Fecal Droppings
Their fecal matter is also a main cause of allergies. In addition, they are responsible for spreading bacteria like Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia.
These pathogens can cause severe diseases if they come in contact with the human body. They can also spread airborne diseases through their feces and trigger serious reactions, especially in children.
Moreover, they can transfer six different types of parasitic worms through their secretions that can cause digestive and blood-related diseases.
Salivary Secretions
Cockroaches also have saliva, which can infect humans with different diseases. Their saliva can cause asthma and other allergies that can worsen with continuous exposure. In addition, they can leave their pathogen-infected saliva in your food, which can also cause digestive diseases.
What Diseases Do Cockroaches Cause?
Cockroaches are known to spread numerous diseases. Some of the most common diseases caused by these nasty pests are:
- Typhoid fever
- Bacterial rash
- Skin allergies
- Asthma
- Diarrhea
- Stomach infections
- Dysentery
- Leprosy
- Campylobacteriosis
- Listeriosis
- Salmonellosis
- Plague
- Cholera
These diseases can become life-threatening if not treated at the right time.
Additional Reasons Why Cockroaches are Dangerous
Cockroaches are not only dangerous because of the dirt and bacteria they spread. They can also damage your body and house in other ways. Here are the most common ways a cockroach infestation can affect your life besides getting sick:
Constant Foul Smell
Cockroaches have a pungent body odor that can spread throughout your house and cause discomfort. The bigger the infestation is, the stronger the stench will be. In addition, living with consistent foul odor can have a negative impact on your mind.
This musty and mildew-y smell can also attract other pests to your house. Moreover, it makes your house smell unhygienic and unpleasant to live in. Constant exposure to this smell can cause a burning sentient in your nose, leading to coughing, wheezing, or nasal blockage.
Ear and Nose Invasion
Small cockroaches can invade your ear, mouth, or nose while asleep. Not only is it scary to think about, but it is also hazardous to health. Ingesting a cockroach can result in poisoning, diarrhea, dysentery, and other inflammatory stomach diseases.
Earwax is also an attractive meal for small cockroaches. Therefore, it is important to keep your ears clean and your house free from cockroaches to prevent such incidents.
FAQs
Are Cockroaches Dangerous To Touch?
Yes, cockroaches are dangerous to touch. They have a dirty exoskeleton and hairy legs that carry several types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens can enter our body through touch and adversely affect our health.
Are Black Cockroaches Dangerous?
Yes, black cockroaches are dangerous to have in your house. They are also known as oriental cockroaches and can spread bacteria faster because of their nature of going in and out of the house.
Unlike the German and American cockroaches, they don’t confine themselves to the house. Instead, they travel in and out of the house carrying deadly viruses, bacteria, parasites, and allergens from outside.
What Happens If a Cockroach Bites You?
If a cockroach bites you, it might give you a red bump on your skin that is not harmful if you disinfect it instantly. Even though cockroaches rarely bite, it is important to look for any red marks on your body and clean it thoroughly if you have a cockroach infestation.
Conclusion
Although cockroaches do not bite, they can affect our health in many other ways. For example, they spread bacteria into the air and can graze you with their leg spines which can cause serious reactions in some people.
Which includes,
- Skin rashes
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Digestive disorders
So, if you have cockroaches in your house, consult a professional to thoroughly clean up the area. Stay clear of their filth to protect yourself and your family from the countless diseases these pests carry.