Let’s face it – roaches are gross. They are an unsightly nuisance yet one of the most common pests in US homes. In fact, the NPMA reports that 63% of US homes have cockroaches even though many of them are undetected by homeowners. Are roaches dangerous to humans or are they just an anxiety-inducing pest to be controlled and eliminated?

The answer is a resounding YES. Roaches are dangerous to humans. Even though roaches don’t produce poison and can’t sting, they have been known in rare cases to bite humans. Besides this, roaches are known to carry and transmit bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause serious diseases in humans including:

  • Gastroenteritis
  • Cholera
  • Leprosy
  • Plague
  • Typhoid fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • Dysentery

Roaches also trigger allergies and asthma in humans through their saliva, their feces (which they excrete on every surface they touch), through shed body parts, and even through dead roaches.

Roaches are extremely versatile and can adapt to almost any environment. Because of this, they are extremely difficult to control. There are some steps you can take to help prevent roaches from getting into your home.

  • Seal any cracks around your home.
  • Repair any water leaks.
  • Remove any sources of standing water.
  • Try not to overwater houseplants.
  • Wipe down your kitchen counters after every meal.
  • Put dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher or wash them immediately after using them instead of leaving them in the sink overnight.
  • Wipe down your stove after cooking.
  • Sweep daily and vacuum weekly.
  • Keep firewood and compost as far away from your home as possible.
  • Keep your grass and landscaping neat and tidy.

If you suspect you have a roach problem, contact a licensed pest control company and schedule a free inspection where a pest control technician can inspect your home, identify if you have roaches and what type, and treat and eliminate these nuisance pests from your property.