Cockroaches do not bite or make any significant property damage. Still, they are one of the most dangerous and deadly pest groups you may encounter in your property. Since they don’t make any stings or visible damage to properties, some homeowners consider them just as a nuisance and don’t take them seriously – compared to rodents and bees.
Do you see signs of cockroach infestation at your property? Then, you should get a comprehensive cockroach treatment. The following reasons will tell you why timely cockroach control is important.
Carry Pathogens
Studies confirm that cockroaches carry several pathogens and cause diseases to humans and animals. According to WHO, these pests can spread cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid fever. They can spread 33 types of bacteria, six parasitic worms, and several types of human pathogens.
They cause food poisoning by spreading Salmonella and E. coli. Apart from symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and belly pain, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and develop life-threatening symptoms and infections. According to a USEPA, cockroaches also carry bacteria that spread staphylococcus and streptococcus.
A study confirms that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can quickly multiply in the gut of cockroaches and cause urinary tract infections, sepsis, and digestive problems in humans.
Trigger Allergic Symptoms
Several studies confirmed that cockroaches are one of the primary reasons for triggering allergy indoors. The EPA further adds that children are more prone to cockroach allergies compared to adults. The enzymes found in the eggs, excrement, body parts, and the saliva of cockroaches are responsible for the allergic reactions on humans who are exposed to it.
The common symptoms found with cockroach allergy include chest tightness, chronic stuffy nose, itchy eyes and nose, ear and sinus infections, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some people, the allergy can cause rashes in their bodies. Regular exposure to these allergens can lead to asthma attacks that may become life-threatening.
Considering the spread of COVID 19 pandemic these days, and the increased risks of people with allergies and asthma to develop severe COVID symptoms, ignorance of cockroach allergens can be dangerous than you think. Do you know that cockroaches become more active when the temperature becomes warmer – especially above 21-degree Celsius?
Considering the warmer climate of Australia, this gives you additional risks and reminds you to control the pest effectively.
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They Don’t Bite You, But Can Scratch You
Cockroaches do not bite, however, they can scratch with their leg spines. Since the pest carries bacteria, parasitic worms, and human pathogens, the scratches can make you infected. The scratches can be itchy and may turn reddish. If you experience any complexities with the scratches, get medical attention immediately.
Food Contamination
The experts of pest control Melbourne confirm that cockroaches can virtually eat anything and live in most environments. They often feed dead animals, plants, faecal matter, soap, glue, leather, and more. When they land on food, they immediately contaminate it. They also defecate on food and sometimes deposit empty eggshells.
This happens mostly at night or when you are away, and cockroaches find food open for them. While landing on food, they also pass human pathogens and bacteria that can make people sick upon consumption. Therefore, you should never eat food that is kept open for a long time. Pay special attention to keep your food stored in tightly-sealed containers.
This isn’t only applied to cooked food but the raw food materials as well.
Tips To Control Cockroach Population In Your Environment
You can control and minimise the cockroach population in your environment through a number of steps:
● Keep your property clean every time through regular mopping and cleaning. You clean and sanitise your property every week, and that can also help you to get signs of the cockroach infestation.
● Dump the food residue and other waste in dustbins with lids. Also, empty the dustbins on a regular basis to limit the food sources for cockroaches at your property.
● Never keep food open; store them in sealed containers. Also, clean your refrigerators every week.
● Clean the kitchen work area – including the sink – and dining space after every meal.
● Regularly remove any clutter, including newspapers, woodpiles, magazines, cardboard boxes, books, and old clothes, at your property. Cockroaches find safe places to hide and breed in the clutter present in properties.
● Inspect for holes, cracks, crevices in the walls, and foundation of your property. You can check around doors and windows for cracks that give cockroaches safe access to your property. Seal those openings with caulk or other sealing materials to secure the property.
Seek The Assistance Of Professional Cockroach Controllers
Sometimes, the cockroach infestation at your property may be extensive and beyond the limits of natural control methods. Also, if you have cramped spaces like the attic or fully packed rooms, you may not be able to identify the extent of the infestation.
You can then call up a professional cockroach control service to comprehensively treat the infestation issues at the property. They can also identify the factors at your property that attract cockroaches and advise you the preventive measures.
In conclusion, never change your attention from healthy living.
