Cockroaches, often associated with filth and disease, are resilient pests that can pose serious health risks to humans. Let’s discuss the illnesses that can be caused by cockroaches.
Are cockroaches dirty?
Despite their unsavoury reputation, cockroaches are remarkably clean creatures, meticulously grooming themselves to maintain hygiene. However, their presence in homes and businesses can still lead to the transmission of harmful bacteria and pathogens, contributing to various illnesses.
Read more about the cleanliness of cockroaches in our blog article: Cockroaches and Hygiene.
Illnesses Caused by Cockroaches:
1. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is a common digestive condition characterized by loose or watery stools, often occurring multiple times within a day. Escherichia coli is a bacterium commonly found in the human gut.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, chills, nausea, and muscle aches, although the latter are less common.
The period of illness typically lasts around three weeks and usually requires little to no medical support.
2. Dysentery:
Shigellosis is a type of gastroenteritis caused by the Shigella bacterium.
It spreads through poor hand hygiene and consuming contaminated food or drink items.
Symptoms include diarrhea containing blood and mucus, painful stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a high temperature.
Without medical attention, the illness typically lasts around one week.
3. Cholera:
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium.
Common symptoms include profuse watery diarrhea, often described as “rice-water stools,” which can lead to rapid dehydration if not treated promptly.
It spreads through the ingestion of food and drink contaminated with the bacterium.
4. Typhoid Fever:
Typhoid fever is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.
It spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
Symptoms include prolonged fever, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, and sometimes diarrhea.
With treatment, the illness typically lasts around 3-5 days, but it can be much worse if left untreated.
Winter Season:
As winter approaches, cockroaches may seek refuge indoors, drawn to the warmth and shelter of buildings. To prevent infestations and protect against the health risks associated with cockroaches, it’s essential to take proactive measures and enlist the help of professional pest control services.
At SMARTSENZ® IPM, we specialize in comprehensive cockroach control services designed to eliminate infestations and prevent future occurrences.
Our team of experts employs advanced techniques and eco-friendly treatments to eradicate cockroaches effectively while prioritizing the safety of your home or business environment.
Don’t let cockroaches wreak havoc on your winter— click here to book your cockroach treatment or contact us today for assistance on expert cockroach control.