Are Cockroaches Dangerous? [Top Health Risks]

Cockroaches are more than just creepy crawlers that scurry across the kitchen floor. These resilient pests pose serious health risks to you and your family.

From triggering asthma attacks to spreading harmful pathogens, cockroaches are not a pest to be taken lightly. This article explores the health hazards of cockroach infestations, common types of cockroaches, and effective strategies for getting rid of these pests.

Types of Cockroaches

There are thousands of cockroach species worldwide, but two types are most common in U. S. households.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are the most common household cockroaches in the United States. These pests are easily identifiable by their light brown color and two dark stripes behind their head. German cockroaches are relatively small, measuring only about half an inch in length. 

Their flattened, oval-shaped bodies help them squeeze into tight spaces, making them difficult to eradicate once they’ve established themselves in a home. German cockroaches are known for their prolific reproduction. A single female can produce up to 400 offspring in her lifetime. 

Their preferred habitats are warm and humid areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where food and moisture are readily available.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are larger than their German counterparts, growing up to 1.5 inches long. These reddish-brown pests have a distinctive light-colored band around their head, almost like an inverse of the German cockroach’s markings. American cockroaches are found in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas.

Unlike German cockroaches, American cockroaches live outdoors and are often found in sewer systems. They are highly adaptive and migrate from the outdoors into homes, especially during extreme weather conditions. Their size and flying ability makes them formidable pests to control indoors.

Where Do Cockroaches Come From?

Cockroaches are attracted to warm, moist environments with ample food sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. These pests enter houses through small cracks and crevices, around pipes and wires, or even in grocery bags and cardboard boxes.

Once inside, cockroaches quickly settle in hidden areas, most commonly behind appliances, wall voids, under sinks, and cluttered storage areas. Regularly inspect these locations for signs of activity.

Cockroaches are nocturnal and often appear to forage for food at night, so you may notice their presence when turning on a light in the kitchen at night. Spotting a single cockroach usually signifies a larger problem hidden away.

Health Issues Associated With Cockroaches

Cockroaches don’t bite or sting humans but still pose significant health risks. The danger lies in their habits and the substances they leave behind. These are the primary health concerns associated with cockroach infestations:

Asthma and Allergies

Cockroaches are a major trigger for asthma and allergies, especially in urban areas. These pests produce allergens through their saliva, feces, and body parts they’ve shed.

These allergens build up in dust and become airborne, triggering asthma attacks and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The National Academy of Medicine found that cockroach allergens are prevalent in inner-city communities, contributing to high asthma rates.

The persistent presence of cockroach allergens exacerbates chronic asthma in children and adults, leading to an increased need for medical interventions and hospital visits. Cockroach allergen levels remain high even after ‌visible pests have been eliminated from a home.

Spread of Pathogens

Cockroaches are known to carry and spread various disease-causing organisms. Research has shown that these pests can serve as reservoirs for pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, parasitic worms, typhoid fever, and dysentery. 

Cockroaches thrive in decaying matter, sewers, and garbage. Keep up with household hygiene and eliminate clutter to reduce this risk.

Cockroaches and the Ear Canal

Perhaps the most unsettling health risk is cockroaches crawling into people’s ears while they sleep. This sounds like something out of a horror movie, but it’s a real phenomenon that occurs more often than most people realize.

Cockroaches, particularly smaller species like German cockroaches, are attracted to the warmth and moisture of the human ear canal. Once inside, they can cause pain, hearing loss, and even infection. In one notable case, a woman had a cockroach stuck in her ear for nine days before doctors removed it.

These incidents are relatively rare, but they highlight the importance of dealing with cockroach infestations quickly and thoroughly.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Eliminating cockroaches from a home requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Seal entry points: Inspect the home’s exterior and interior for cracks, gaps, and holes. Use caulk, expanding foam, or suitable materials to seal these potential entry points. This step deters cockroaches and prevents other pests from entering your home.
2. Maintain cleanliness: Keep the kitchen and other areas free of food debris. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills and crumbs. Vacuuming regularly minimizes potential food sources and helps remove allergens.
3. Reduce moisture: Fix leaky pipes and faucets. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. Cockroaches rely heavily on moisture for survival, reducing it limits their capacity to thrive.
4. Use baits and traps: For small to moderate infestations, place cockroach baits and traps in areas where you commonly see roaches. Place the traps in hidden spots where pets and children cannot access them.
5. Apply diatomaceous earth (DE): Sprinkle food-grade DE in areas where cockroaches travel to damage the pests’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration. It is a non-toxic alternative suitable for households with pets and children.
6. Consider professional help: For severe infestations, hire a pest control company. They provide targeted treatments and ongoing management plans.

Education on proper waste management and prevention protects the home against re-infestations. Consistency is key when dealing with cockroaches. It may take several weeks or even months of diligent effort to fully get rid of an infestation.