Cockroach Infestation: Diseases It Can Bring To Your Family

Dangerous Diseases Spread By Cockroaches

Salmonellosis

Cockroaches transmit the salmonella bacteria, a disease with symptoms similar to food poisoning.  According to entomologists, cockroaches acquire the bacteria by feeding off of contaminated food. The bacteria remain in their digestive system for 1 to 2 months before it is positive through their vomit or their feces. When human beings accidentally ingest food contaminated by the bacteria, they might experience the following symptoms: diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. It could also be acquired through inhaling dust particles contaminated by infected vomit or droppings.

Typhoid Fever

This of diseases caused by the salmonella typhi and it causes very serious diseases.  According to the United Kingdom National Health Services (NHS), typhoid fever is the most common disease in developing countries where there is limited access to clean water.  The symptoms of typhoid fever include the following: fever, head and muscle pains, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If you ever experience such symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. with early treatment, the condition could quickly improve in 3 to 5 days. If not, the symptoms could get more complicated and it could lead to death. 

Cholera

This disease is common among areas with inadequate environmental management. The infection occurs when a human being ingests food and beverage contaminated with the bacterium.  If a cockroach is exposed to the cholera bacterium, it effectively spreads the bacteria through its feces and vomit, contaminating every surface and food it gets in contact with. According to the world health organization, there are over 1.4 million to 4.3 million cases of cholera each year leading to 28,000 to 142,000 deaths. The symptoms of cholera can be dormant.  Around 80% of people infected by the disease do not develop any symptoms. 20% of which acute diarrhea which results in severe dehydration.

Dysentery

This is a type of gastroenteritis that results in diarrhea with blood.  Although most people suffer from mild symptoms and recover ingest a week, it could be lethal to people with weaker immune systems such as children and the elderly.  There are two types of dysentery: the Bacillary dysentery and the Amoebic dysentery. Bacillary dysentery is caused by the Shigella bacteria.

On the other hand, Amoebic Dysentery is caused by a single-cell parasite called the Entamoeba. Dysentery is usually be acquired through and accidentally ingesting contaminated food and drinks. It could also be caused by poor hygiene and a lack of adequate environmental management.  The symptoms of dysentery include diarrhea with blood and mucus, severe stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, and a high fever.

Leprosy

Along with mice and rats, cockroaches are also carriers of the Mycobacterium leprae that causes leprosy.  According to scientists, cockroaches can spread the disease through their feces. Although the bacteria is not highly infectious, if left ignored and untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the nerves, skin, and eyes. Leprosy can lead to disfigurement and deformities of body parts. So, it should not be taken for granted.  The disease has an incubation period of about 4 to 5 years. But the symptoms may take over 20 years to appear.

Plague

When we hear about the Bubonic plague, we think of it as a rodent-borne disease. Little do we know that cockroaches can spread the disease as well.  Symptoms of the disease include swollen and painful lymph nodes, high fever, chills, muscle cramps, and joint pain. People are infected required to receive urgent treatment. They should be given antibiotics 24 hours after the infection to avoid more severe consequences. According to the world health organization, the bubonic plague caused around 50,000,000 deaths in the 14th century.  In 2013, there were 783 reported cases. 126 of which lead to their death because of the Bubonic Plague.

Listeriosis

This is on other disease caused by ingesting contaminated food and drinks.  According to the CDC, it is a serious health problem in the United States. Listeriosis is known to affect people with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women, the elderly, and children. However, there are rare cases when people that strong immune systems are affected too.

The symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea. If it gets worse, the disease can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract. This could lead to headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women infected by Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery.

• E. Coli Infections - This bacteria is commonly found in the guts of human beings.  Most streams of the bacteria are harmless. However, there are some that can cause food poisoning.  The symptoms of E. coli are watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Other symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, and muscle pains.

• Katsaridaphobia -  Apart from the fact that cockroaches can bring physiological diseases to humans, they also cause psychological diseases. Katsaridaphobia is the extreme and irrational fear of cockroaches. Unlike typical fear, a phobia is characterized by dysfunction and maladaptive behaviors. Fear only causes a person to tremble, sweat, or run when faced by unfortunate situations. In the case of a phobia, people can no longer function by just the thought of their object of fear. Some people with Katsaridaphobia no longer want to go home out of the anticipation that there are cockroaches inside. Some can no longer eat food out of the fear that it is contaminated by cockroaches. See, this a psychological disease should not be taken for granted. It is a serious condition that can lead to other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. In rare cases, a phobia can even lead to suicide.

Habits & Behavior

Cockroaches are considered winter pests because they cannot outlive the cold outdoors. When the cold season comes, they start to infest homes to look for food and potential shelter.  These creatures usually stay underneath pipelines and drainage areas where it is moist. Cockroaches are hydrophilic. Meaning, they just love water! They cannot survive without it.  How many of you tried flushing cockroach down the drain or down the toilet? You might think that it is an effective way to get rid of these creatures. Actually, cockroaches can hold their breath for at least 30 minutes.  This is more than enough time for them to get on solid ground. Cutting off their heads won't work either. They are very durable and agile. They can live for days without ahead. With their speed of 3 miles per hour, who knows how much more bacteria they can bring to our loved ones?

Having one or two cockroaches at home is definitely not OK!  These creatures can quickly reproduce. In one household alone, there are as many as 900 to 300,000 cockroaches. You may not see them, but they are somewhere in your home brooding and waiting for their next food target. A female cockroach produces one ootheca in one breeding.  This protective shell contains up to 50 cockroaches. Can you imagine how many they can spawn in just one day?

DIY Methods For Cockroach Extermination

• Keep your house clean and tidy.  Cockroaches are attracted to food crumbs and food stains.  To get rid of a cockroach infestation, remove any potential sources of food.  Never postpone cleaning up the mess in your bedroom, dining room, especially the kitchen and the bathroom. 

• Seal cracks and holes.  Isolate the cockroaches by conducting a regular perimeter check-up. Fix any fissures, crevices, and holes you can find to prevent any more from coming in. This makes exterminating the cockroaches inside much easier. They have no more place to run to. 

• Fix water leaks.  As we have discussed, cockroaches love moist. They like to stay in our kitchen where there is a water leak. To keep them from establishing their habitat, eliminate all moist sources. If possible, keep the temperature in your house cool to prevent moistly. 

• Spray Insecticides. The occasional spray of insecticides works to eliminate the cockroaches from inside your house. It also pays off to spray it on your lawn from time to time to help prevent any cockroach from infesting your gardens.  

Lake Norman Pest Control Is At Your Service

Luckily, if you are in North Carolina, you can easily call for the most competent pest exterminator near Denver, NC. Lake Norman Pest Control has been providing top-notch service for more than 50 years. Founded by Sam and Fran Newman, the exterminators ensure holistic pest management that is affordable, effective, and safe.  The experts pride themselves in using environmental-safety methods of pest control. So, even if you have pets and plants around, you have nothing to worry about.

Lake Norman Pest Control provides a basic service plan that covers the interior and exterior of your home. It helps eliminate and prevent all kinds of pests such as mosquitoes, mice, cockroaches, and many more. At Lake Norman Pest Control, the humble company provides all necessary treatments without additional charge! All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let the exterminators get to work. For a safe and pest-free home, never forget Lake Norman Pest Control - the company that keeps people protected from pests.