Cockroaches Aren’t Just Creepy — They are Dangerous to Your Health!

Do you have cockroaches in your home? Cockroaches are unwanted pests for significant reasons–not just because they are creepy. Cockroaches are known to carry at least 30 different types of bacteria and can cause various diseases.

Breathing in the air infested by cockroaches is enough to inhale any of the bacteria they carry. From causing everyday illnesses to more serious health issues to allergies and asthma, cockroaches ARE dangerous and should be eliminated immediately for the following reasons:

• Cockroaches carry diseases, viruses, and bacteria. According to the World Health Organization, the pathogens that contribute to these diseases can spread through cockroach droppings and shed exoskeletons. Plus, cockroaches aren’t picky about what they’ll eat. As they search for a meal, they will probably rummage through food storage and come in contact with prepping surfaces. This form of food contamination is one of the ways cockroaches spread diseases.
• Allergy sufferers will also notice more extreme symptoms when cockroaches are present. In fact, according to the CDC, cockroaches may be one of the most underappreciated causes of indoor allergens. Their saliva is known to cause skin rashes and sneezing. Those at biggest risk are children and seniors. Family and friends will breathe much easier after an infestation has been resolved.
• Cockroaches are known to contaminate food sources. If left unattended, cockroaches may crawl through dry goods in search of a meal. As they rummage, they may defecate or urinate which can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed. Cockroaches may also come in contact with countertops, cutting boards, and other preparation areas that can contribute to food poisoning.
• They can invade your body. Ears and noses are ideal environments for a cockroach–dark, damp, and usually dirty. Once a cockroach gets in your ear canal, it can be difficult to get it out without crushing it or before it lays eggs. As if the idea of a cockroach in your ear isn’t bad enough, the lasting health implications can be serious, including hearing loss or infection.

How Can I Prevent Cockroaches?

Since cockroaches are able to live in a variety of conditions, preventing them is difficult. However, one of the best things you can do to avoid a cockroach infestation is keeping your home clean. Cockroaches will gravitate toward decaying food, so overflowing garbage cans, exposed sources of food, and even dirty dishes left alone for too long may be appealing. In addition, cockroaches may hide outside the home in rotting wood piles and even gutters.

If you have a cockroach infestation, the best thing to do is contact a professional pest control company such as Alexandria Pest Services. Trained exterminators are able to quickly identify different species of cockroaches to put together an effective treatment plan. At Alexandria Pest Services, we offer top-of-the-line pest control services, and are here to help treat any cockroach problems you may have.

Call in the Pros to Get Rid of Pests for Good! If you find that you are having a problem with cockroaches, or other insects, rodents, termites, or other pests and need an exterminator, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office! Contact us today to learn more.