Health hazards posed by cockroaches
Health hazards posed by cockroaches
We’ve all heard the jokes about cockroaches being the only survivors of a nuclear explosion. They are certainly resilient creatures. They move quickly, they multiply at a rapid rate, and a cockroach infestation is something that should be given serious attention.
As they are drawn to human food, cockroaches are a very real source of food contamination, spreading bacteria and parasites. One of these is Salmonella, which can result in a range of diseases that includes food poisoning and even typhoid in extreme cases. Dysentery, gastroenteritis, and fever are other illnesses caused by these creatures as they crawl unseen over food, utensils, and crockery.
Cockroaches also spread allergens which are another health hazard to humans, resulting in allergy symptoms such as itching, redness and asthma attacks.
How to detect a cockroach infestation.
- Watch out for random spots and lines of black dust. These are cockroach droppings and while they vary in length, their width is around 1mm or less.
- Cockroaches are most active at the junction between floor and wall, and on horizontal surfaces, so keep an eye out on those areas.
- As they mature to adults, cockroaches shed skin so you may come across fragments of skin that alert you to their presence.
- Musty odours and damage to food packaging and to books and papers are also tell-tale signs.
How to guard against contamination by cockroaches.
- Cockroaches flourish in dark, warm, moist places, particularly those close to food preparation areas. Do not leave food unchecked, and clear away food scraps and spills as soon as possible.
- All food should be stored in airtight containers.
- Ensure garbage bins have lids that close tight and empty garbage bags regularly, as cockroaches are hyper-sensitive to the odours.
- If you have a pet, don’t leave their food and water and plates out after they’ve finished with them.
- Seal up any holes, cracks or crevices around the walls and pipes of your home.
- Double-check any product bags and boxes for hitchhiking cockroaches before taking them into your home.
If you’re a Canberra resident and you need help in assessing and treating a cockroach problem, you can call on A1 Professional Pest Control’s experience and expertise. Phone us on (02) 6278 5858 for an inspection.
