It is sickening to think of the places where some cockroaches are born. There are species of pest cockroaches that lay their oothecae in rotting organic matter. It is also sickening to consider some of the things cockroaches feed on, such as feces and the organic matter clinging to the drain below your garbage disposal. We're not looking to make your stomach turn, but it is necessary to understand that roaches are not clean insects—by any stretch of the imagination. They dwell in sewers as readily as they will dwell in your kitchen, pantry, or bathroom. This makes them a serious health concern. Here are a few ways cockroaches can present a danger to you and everyone living in your Tampa property.
Tiny Organisms
Many disease-causing organisms are so tiny they cannot be seen with the naked eye. We often refer to them as harmful bacteria, but bacteria is only one kind of microorganism that can make you sick. When cockroaches climb in dumpsters, trash heaps, compost, dirty drains, sewers, and other gross places, they can pick these tiny organisms up and transport them to stored food, dish cabinets, silverware drawers, the bristles of a toothbrush, and other sensitive areas. They can do this because cockroaches don't get sick from these organisms as we do. In fact, they can consume rotting organic matter that has these tiny organisms on them. Some organisms spread from cockroaches to humans by first getting into the gut of a roach. This leads us to the second way roaches can make you sick.
Feces
When cockroaches get into your food, they can deposit fecal matter. This is hazardous because the feces of cockroaches can have microorganisms like escherichia coli (E. coli). Cockroaches can also contaminate liquids left in cups, bowls, and other sources. Exposure to cockroach waste can lead to many issues, including gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and diarrhea.
Rashes
If a cockroach climbs on you while you sleep, it can leave a rash. This rash can be mild or severe, depending on how allergic you are. While not a medical threat, it is important to be aware that rashes can be cockroach-related.
Swollen Wounds
Cockroaches feed on dead skin and are drawn to dead skin in eyelashes, eyebrows, and around the mouths of sleeping people. While a cockroach rash isn't a threat, the combination of skin irritation and an accidental bite wound can lead to a sore and swollen eye or lip.
General Bites
Cockroaches don't prefer to bite on purpose, but they can when populations get too large. These bites tend to become infected as the roach that bites introduces bacteria into the wound.
Allergies
There are many ways cockroaches can impact the health of someone who has allergies. They can be the catalyst for many issues such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchiness, and ear infections.
A recent study concluded that hospitalization for asthma-related problems increased in homes that were found to have cockroaches in them. This was a particular problem for children with asthma. Respiratory symptoms can arise for many reasons. Often contaminants are spread from ventilation ducts where cockroaches are traveling or congregating. The shed skins of developing roaches break down and become airborne.
How To Protect Yourself
If you do not have a roach infestation yet, you may be able to prevent one by taking the following steps:
Remove organic matter around your homes, such as fronds and leaves.
Store trash in covered receptacles, remove it weekly and sanitize receptacles when odors develop.
Reduce moisture in your perimeter landscaping.
Seal entry points in your exterior, particularly around exterior doors and windows.
If cockroaches have gotten into your Tampa home, you can limit the spread of disease by taking the following steps:
Keep your home clean.
Deep clean around appliances.
Clean drains to remove clogs and organic matter.
Store your foods in sealed containers.
Store fruit in the fridge.
Store potatoes in a sealed container.
Keep your bathroom clean.
You can manage cockroaches by creating an environment that is not preferable. A key way to do this is to reduce humidity in your home. Most cockroaches can't tolerate dry conditions and may choose to move outside where it is warm and humid. Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Use your fan when taking a shower or bath.
- Refrain from leaving water in a jetted tub between uses.
- Fix any faucets that have developed a leak.
- Fix plumbing issues.
Tampa Pest Control
If you need assistance eliminating roaches in your Tampa property, remember that Bold Pest is always available to help you get control of Tampa area pests. Connect with us today.