Can Cockroaches Make You Sick? How to Get Rid of German Roaches & the Dangers They Pose to Humans

Cockroaches are common home invaders that exist all over the world. In fact, there are over 4,500 different species of them, but only 30 of them are considered pests. Though New Jersey has several species creeping around, the most common here and throughout most of the country, is the German Cockroach. Not only are these nasty little critters grotesque and instantly produce the heebie-jeebies in children, women, and men alike, but they are destructive and can be harmful to your health. With that in mind, we at Ross Environmental Solutions would like to touch on the basics concerning German cockroaches.

German Cockroach Identification

As previously mentioned, German cockroaches are among the most common. They can multiply fairly quickly as they can reproduce up to six generations in a single year. These little roaches easily infest homes as they only require a space of 3/8” wide to gain access. Most would argue that all cockroaches look the same and where they are similar; the different species have different characteristics. The German cockroach has 2, nearly parallel stripes across their backs starting just behind their heads and the primary colors rages from light brown to tan. Like many insects, German cockroaches have the 6 legs and antennae extending from their oval shaped bodies. These roaches generally grow between ½” – 5/8” in length.

Why Do I Have Roaches in My Clean House?

German cockroaches do not only need just a small space to squeeze through, but they stow-away in grocery bags, drink cartons, cardboard boxes, and second hand appliances to find their way into a new structure. They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat just about anything in their path including toothpaste, soaps, and glue among the human scraps and insects they run into. German cockroaches favor warm and humid places to dwell and will look for such an environment that is in close proximity to a convenient food and water source. Once they have infiltrated a home for example, they are frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms.

Can German Cockroaches Make You Sick? Allergies, Diseases & Other Dangers to Health

German cockroaches are not just creepy in appearance, but they also pose a threat to your health. Allergic reactions are not the only implication these cockroaches have but outbreaks in illnesses as well. Reported case documentation links them to at least 33 different strands of bacteria, 6 species of parasitic worms, and at least 7 additional human pathogens. Because of their nonchalant behavior, they have a tendency to traverse through sewage, decaying matter, and other such environments. In so doing the spines of their legs and bodies pick up germs and bacteria and contaminate any other surface they walk on, including the places where you prepare food and the food itself. According to medical studies, German cockroaches are among the leading roaches to induce allergies and asthma attacks, particularly in children.

Cockroach Control

With quality sanitation applications, keeping the home well sealed, and professional pest control, you can prevent German cockroaches from entering your home. Call Ross Environmental Solutions today to get started on preventative treatment or removal if you believe you have a cockroach or other pest infestation.