Oriental Cockroaches Can Spread Disease
Cockroaches may be the oldest of all living insects as their evolutionary history started around three hundred million years ago. Today there are more than thirty five hundred different cockroach species that have been documented. Out of these thousands of roach species, only fifty five different species dwell within the United States. Since roaches have lived among humans for thousands of years, they have become accustomed to dwelling in areas that are inhabited by humans. Although roaches are filthy creatures that carry bacteria, most experts agree that contracting a disease from a roach is unlikely. Despite the rarity of contracting infections from cockroaches, some cockroaches are more likely to spread diseases than others. The type of roach that is most likely to spread disease is the oriental cockroach. These roaches are particularly filthy, and they are common in the United States.
Oriental cockroaches are commonly referred to as water-bugs due to their habit of finding shelter in dark, damp and cool areas, such as underneath sinks and basements. Oriental cockroaches concern some health professionals due to their tendency to crawl through sewage pipes and other filthy locations. This type of cockroach literally thrives on filth, and they are almost always found inhabiting areas that contain decaying forms of organic matter. Oriental cockroaches are generally found outdoors, but during droughts they can make efforts to secure indoor shelters. These cockroaches are thought to enter houses via air-ducts, garbage chutes, ventilators or under doors. These roaches can be dangerous to humans due to the massive amounts of bacteria that they acquire from unsanitary areas. This bacteria can wind up on human food, resulting in probable illness. Disease-producing organisms have been found in their bodies. These organisms include bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The primary diseases that are spread by oriental cockroaches include food poisoning, dysentery, and diarrhea. Fecal bacteria and skin sheddings that are left behind by these roaches have been known to cause allergic reactions. After making contact with these bacteria-rich materials, many people have experienced rashes, watery eyes, congestion of nasal passages, asthma, and sneezing. Insecticides can always be applied in order to rid a home of an oriental roach infestation, but keeping your living conditions sanitary is the best way of preventing contact with oriental cockroaches.
Have you ever found oriental cockroaches hiding-out in a dark and damp location within your home?
