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Cockroaches are considered to be dangerous as an allergen source and asthma trigger. They may also carry certain bacteria that can cause illnesses if left on food.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, cockroaches are “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements.”
Keep reading to learn more about cockroaches, and what to look out for.
Do cockroaches bite?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, cockroaches do not bite. They can, however, scratch you with their heavy leg spines. And because they carry bacteria, a cockroach scratch could potentially become infected.
Cockroaches and disease
Although there’s little evidence linking cockroaches and specific disease outbreaks, cockroaches can carry bacteria.
Cockroach allergy
According to a 2012 articleTrusted Source published in the journal Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, cockroaches are one of the most common sources of indoor allergens.
It’s thought that the enzymes found in the excrement, shedding body parts, eggs, and saliva of cockroaches cause allergic reactions in many people.
According to the EPA, children are more susceptible to cockroach allergies than adults.
According to the National Pest Management Association, 63 percent of homes in the United States contain cockroach allergens. That number rises to between 78 and 98 percent in urban area homes.
To deal with cockroach allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, such as:
OTC medications
antihistamines
decongestants
nasal corticosteroid sprays
If you have asthma, your doctor may also prescribe bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory medication.
How can get rid of cockroaches?
Along with professional extermination, you can reduce the cockroach population in your home by limiting their access to water, food, and shelter:
seal entry points such as cracks in floors and walls
fix leaky pipes
keep typically damp areas dry
use cockroach traps and bait
tightly cover all trash containers
store food in airtight containers (including food in cabinets)
clean dirty dishes immediately after use
clean pet food bowl (don’t leave pet food out)
sweep up food crumbs from tables, counters, stovetop, and floors
wipe up spills immediately
vacuum and mop floors regularly
clean (at least annually) around and under furniture that is rarely moved
clear out clutter from storage closets, shelves, and drawers
About cockroaches
Cockroaches are insects. They have 6 long legs, 2 long antennae, and 2 pairs of wings. Depending on the type, an adult cockroach measures about 1/2 to 1 inch long.
Worldwide, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesTrusted Source, there are thousands of species of cockroaches. Of those thousands, there are only about 30 types that are considered pests.
In the United States, the cockroaches that are considered pests include the:
American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
Brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
Cockroaches are found on every continent except Antarctica, and there are roach fossils that date back 350 million years.
Source: www.healthline.com
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