The dangers posed by cockroaches could be equivalent to that of an asthma trigger or allergen source. These creatures are also capable of carrying illness-causing bacteria if they are left on food.
Health Risks Posed by Cockroaches
Though cockroaches do not bite, they could be an asthma trigger, allergen source, or carrier of detrimental bacteria. These insects could also stretch people with their leg spines. Since they could carry dangerous bacteria, a scratch from a cockroach could end up getting infected.
While there is minimal evidence that connects certain disease outbreaks and cockroaches, these insects can be carriers of bacteria. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the bacteria that cockroaches can carry could lead to streptococcus, staphylococcus, and salmonella if it is left on food.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also says that cockroaches are known to serve as a carrier for intestinal conditions, such as typhoid fever, cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery.
A 2012 study also found that cockroaches are among the most common indoor allergen sources. It is believed that the enzymes present in the saliva, eggs, shedding body parts, and excrements of these creatures could trigger allergic reactions among several people.
Concentrations of allergens are typically highest in regions where water and food are plenty. In the home, bathrooms and kitchens are areas that could serve as hotbeds for their activity. However, the allergen concentrations in bedrooms could be more relevant.
The EPA also says that the susceptibility of children towards cockroach allergies is higher compared to adults.
The National Pest Management Association also says that 63% of US homes have cockroach allergens. This figure rises to roughly 78% to 98% in homes situated in urban areas.
Individuals who have cockroach allergies may experience certain symptoms, such as coughing, skin rashes, wheezing, ear infection, nasal congestion and sinus infection.
For dealing with symptoms of cockroach allergies, prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments could work.
Populations of cockroaches can be reduced by limiting their access to shelter, food, and water. Efforts may include fixing leaky pipes, sealing entry points, using cockroach baits and traps, keeping usually damp areas dry, storing food in airtight containers, cleaning bowls for pet food, cleaning dirty dishes right after use, immediately wiping spills, sweeping food crumbs, cleaning under and around furniture that rarely gets moved, and clearing out clutter.
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What Cockroaches Are
Cockroaches are insects that have 2 pairs of wings, 2 long antennae, and 6 long legs. While this may depend on the type, an adult cockroach could span roughly 0.5 to one inch in length.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences that there are thousands of cockroach species around the world. Among the thousands of species, only 30 of them are considered pets.
In the US, cockroach pests include brown-banded cockroaches, oriental cockroaches, German cockroaches, and American cockroaches.
These insects can be spotted across all continents, except Antarctica. There are also fossils of cockroaches that go as far back as 350 million years.