Cockroaches are scavengers. They have achieved pest status by exploiting foods that humans make available for them. Within buildings, inefficient waste disposal, inadequate food protection, and poor general conditions of sanitation and hygiene often provide the means for supporting their activities.

 

Cockroaches as Pests

Cockroaches are regarded as pests for 6 primary reasons:

Contamination - Cockroaches may contaminate food products, utensil and various areas via droppings, cast skins, empty egg cases, dead cockroaches and vomit marks in surfaces.

Annoyance or Fear Reaction - Many people are annoyed or scared by the sight of cockroaches. Many find their fast, unpredictable movements and their spikey legs abhorrent.

Odour - Unpleasant odours may develop where substantial cockroach infestation exists due to secretions from the mouth and cuticle.

Allergic Reaction - Some people are allergic to cockroaches which can bring about skin reactions in sensitive people, and may cause asthma attacks to asthmatics.

Bites - Cockroaches have been known to bite humans although incidents are rare.

Disease Transmission - Cockroaches often dwell in environments that support the growth of organisms that cause disease to humans. As a result they carry and spread these diseases via contact with various surfaces (including food) such as kitchens and food processing or handling facilities.

It is highly likely that cockroaches are responsible for much ransmission of human diseases - perhaps most commonly intestinal type diseases such as Salmonella food poisoning.

 

| about us | ants | fleas | mice | rats | spiders | termites | home |