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German cockroaches are the worst. We're not saying this to sympathize with you. They are literally the worst of all pest cockroaches and quite likely the worst structure-infesting pests in the world. Why do we say this? We're glad you asked. Here are a few things every Orlando resident should know about German cockroaches and the dangers these insects present.
Why Roaches Are Generally Bad
In Orlando, we often refer to roaches as water bugs. This is not an appropriately descriptive name. It brings to mind an image of these insects moving in and out of the water all day—basically, taking a bath. Believe us when we tell you that cockroaches are not taking baths all day. They are not clean insects. Not even close. Pest cockroach species are attracted to feces, decaying meats, decaying vegetation, and pretty much anything else that is decaying. When they feed on these things, they ingest microorganisms that can be harmful to humans. They also pick these organisms up on the outsides of their bodies. So, when they get into your food cabinets or skitter across the cutting board in your kitchen, they can deposit disease-causing organisms that are invisible to the naked eye. This is the primary reason why it isn't good to have cockroaches in your Orlando home.
How Bad Can A Cockroach Make You Sick?
This is the primary question of this article. Sure, cockroaches spread harmful microorganisms, but how dangerous is it to be exposed to these microorganisms? In most cases, you're only going to get what is referred to as food poisoning. This will result in flu-like symptoms that should go away on their own. But there are certain organisms that can present a serious health risk or even lead to death. One that you may have heard of is E. coli. There are approximately 265,000 cases yearly, with around 100 deaths. This is why you hear of product recalls due to E. coli. Here are a few more noteworthy diseases spread by cockroaches:
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Salmonellosis
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Leprosy
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Giardia
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Campylobacteriosis
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Cholera
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Listeriosis
Cockroaches And Asthma
Recent studies have shown that cockroach infestations aggravate allergy symptoms and lead to an increase in hospital visits for asthma-related symptoms. Asthma is a serious condition that can be fatal. Children, seniors, and people with compromised immunities are considered high risk.
Cockroaches And Chemicals
Cockroaches can develop a resistance or immunity to chemicals that are used to kill them. If this happens, they can become a vehicle for these toxic substances. We don't recommend using over-the-counter roach sprays to exterminate cockroaches.
Less Dangerous Threats Cockroaches Present
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While cockroaches don't prefer to bite people because they don't eat living tissue, they can accidentally bite when they feed on dead skin cells. This can cause inflamed bite wounds on the skin during the night.
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When a cockroach walks on you while you sleep, it can leave a rash, if you are allergic.
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Cockroaches like tight spaces. If a roach gets into your ear canal, it won't be life-threatening, but it could hurt like crazy.
How German Cockroaches Are The Worst
Now that you know a little bit about how cockroaches can make you sick, it is time to put our focus back on German cockroaches as a species. Here are a few reasons why they are the world's worst pests.
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German cockroaches prefer to live with humans or near human settlements. Their desire for codependency is so high there are currently no known populations of wild German cockroaches found anywhere in the world. So, when this species of roach gets into your Orlando home, you won't be able to convince it to leave. You have to exterminate it.
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German cockroaches are incredibly adaptive. Like other cockroaches, roaches of this species can develop a resistance to chemicals, and some populations are born with chemical resistances. But this isn't enough for German cockroaches. Some populations have developed bait aversion. Researchers have found that they no longer have a desire for the sweet substance used in cockroach baits, and they're the only species that have populations that are born with bait aversion.
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German cockroaches are small. A German cockroach nymph is so small, it can fit through the tiny holes in an electrical outlet. Good luck keeping these insects from accessing any room in your Orlando home.
With all of these unique traits, German cockroaches are the roaches that present the most danger to the health of your family.
Orlando Roach Control
If you live in Orlando, you're in our service area. Reach out to Green Flag Services for assistance with any cockroach infestation in your home. They're not just water bugs. In the urban landscape, cockroaches are dirty bugs that can make you seriously ill. You should never allow them to live with you. They are far from harmless.