There are many reasons why homeowners may be grossed out by cockroaches. Maybe because they seem scary or ugly. Perhaps because they are crawling near the food in the kitchen. Or perhaps you recall that time when one crawled across your foot when you least expected it. And though these are certainly all the reasons you may want to consider hiring a roach exterminator to take care of cockroaches in your home, these aren’t the most serious. Did you know that there are plenty of ways cockroaches can cause damage to your most valued possessions, your pets, and even your family members?
- Defensive Secretions - Cockroaches produce substances that they can discharge when they feel threatened. This can lead to skin burns if they are secreted on your body. Have you ever seen your dog or cat eat a cockroach? When this happens, the secretions may result in nausea for your pet.
- Hiding in Ear Canal - Bet you thought this was old folklore. Nope. Cockroaches aren’t targeting your ears for a place to hide, but if one is near your head at night, your ear canal is dark and small, which makes it a perfect hiding spot. In most cases, this only happens if roach populations get out of control—which can become likely if you don’t take preventative measures with professional cockroach extermination.
- Eating Your Eyelashes – Yep, this one is also true. The thing is, roaches don’t prefer to nibble on your eyelashes while you’re sleeping, but when a roach infestation gets out of hand, and food sources are scarce, it happens. There have been many documented instances of roaches or palmetto bugs feeding on baby hair and eyelashes.
- Biting off Toenails and Nibbling on Scabs – Cockroaches will eat almost anything including fingernails and toenails. They couldn’t care less about little Johnny’s skateboard accident a few days ago. If nothing else is around, they could decide to try a sample of the scab from his scraped knee.
- Feeding on Food Residues Around the Mouth – This one brings a whole new meaning to what mamma always said about washing your face and hands before bed. Roaches have been known to eat leftover dinners that they aren’t welcome to, but this one takes the cake. (That would be considered leftover dessert wouldn’t it?)
Allergies and Asthma Caused by Roaches
Probably the most common problem associated with human encounters with roaches is allergic reactions. What is the most common cause of cockroach allergies? Well since you asked… inhalation of cockroach parts and excrement. Cockroaches molt, or shed their skin. They also poop everywhere. If you have a roach problem, be sure to think twice about turning those ceiling fans on high. The shed skins and feces are sure to become airborne, and just like mold spores, these parts can cause allergic reactions when inhaled. But just in case you were wondering, roach skins cause children more problems than roach poo because the skins are lighter and become airborne easier. All the more reasons to contact your local roach pest control company in Jacksonville FL!
Food Poisoning Caused by Roaches
Food poisoning is an illness resulting from eating tainted food, with bacteria-related food poisoning being the most common. In fact, in the United States alone, it is estimated that nearly 14 million people become ill from food poisoning each year. Of these, 50,000 people become hospitalized, and nearly 2,000 people die as a result of food poisoning. The most common insects contributing to bacteria transmission onto food are cockroaches, flies, and ants. These creatures feed or crawl onto materials that are infected with bacteria, then move the bacteria onto the food.
Summary
- Cockroaches are widespread, living just about everywhere
- Cockroaches produce allergens that cause allergies and asthma
- Cockroaches transmit food poisoning bacteria upon contact
If you suspect a roach infestation, or even if you’ve seen a cockroach in your home recently, it’s a good time to contact us for professional roach extermination services in Jacksonville. Don’t wait for what seems like a minor problem to create more major problems down the road!
