Cockroaches: Food Safety and Family Health

Cockroaches are often found in dirty, contaminated environments and can spread filth and disease by contaminating food. They can also trigger allergic reactions in asthmatic people. However, there is no evidence that they can directly transmit disease to humans.

Cockroaches are often found in areas with a lot of food, such as restaurants and kitchens. This is because they are attracted to the food in these areas. Cockroaches can spread diseases by contaminating food and food-handling surfaces. This can happen through their droppings or by transferring pathogens from their bodies to these surfaces.

Which Diseases Do Cockroaches Carry?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the German cockroach is a well-known carrier for the following diseases:

1. Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever is a life-threatening illness caused by a type of bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. When contaminated food is consumed, the bacteria multiply and spread into the bloodstream. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Salmonella Typhi is treated with antibiotics.

2. Salmonellosis

Salmonella food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They usually start within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. Most people recover without treatment, but some may need to be hospitalized.

3. Staphylococcus Infections

With staph infections, a person usually experiences a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting soon after eating. The illness usually lasts for about a day. The toxins that cause the illness are heat resistant, so they are not destroyed by cooking.

4. E. Coli

E. coli is a type of bacteria normally found in the intestines of people and animals. Some types of E. coli can cause illness, particularly diarrhea.

5. Gastroenteritis

This is a medical condition where the stomach and intestines become inflamed, often causing vomiting or diarrhea. In some cases, this can lead to general diarrhea.

How Food and Food-Handing Services Are Compromised

If you see a cockroach during the day, it could mean that there is a bigger problem since they are usually only active at night. If there is a large population of cockroaches, they may be forced to come out during the day in search of food.

Cockroaches are most active at night when they come out to search for food. They can travel quickly and easily across floors and through small spaces in search of food. They will eat just about anything but prefer sweets and starchy foods. They will crawl across floors and through garbage to get to the food. They can also crawl across food-contact surfaces, which can contaminate food.

The Dangers of Cockroaches to Restaurants and Food Service Facilities

Cockroaches can have a major impact on food safety and a business’s bottom line. A single sighting of a cockroach can lead to a restaurant being shut down, resulting in a loss of revenue and customers and damaging the business’s reputation.

Conclusion

It is evident that cockroaches can seriously threaten food safety and family health. They can contaminate food with their feces, and their saliva can cause allergic reactions in some people. In addition, cockroaches can spread diseases like salmonella and dysentery. Therefore, it is important to take measures to control cockroach populations in your home, such as keeping food in sealed containers and regularly cleaning your kitchen.

Valora Pest Control is a locally-owned and operated pest control company dedicated to providing high-quality service with an equally matched customer experience. As residents of the Central Valley, we understand the pests and problems our neighbors face. If you need cockroach pest control in Fresno, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today!