Experts Warn About The Health Hazards Posed By CockroachesNPMA Staff
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Though they have long been a pest that causes one of the
strongest reactions when discovered in a home or place of business,
the health threats posed
by cockroaches often don't
factor into the disgust felt at encountering them. The National
Pest Management Association (NPMA) cautions, however, that
cockroaches can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, in
addition to other serious health hazards.
The saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies of cockroaches contain allergen
proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of
asthma symptoms, especially in children. They are also capable of
mechanically transmitting disease organisms, such as the bacteria
that cause food poisoning, and are known to spread 33 different
kinds of bacteria, six parasitic worms and at least seven other
kinds of human pathogens.
"When people think of cockroaches, they definitely
don't have a pleasant association, but they may not fully realize
the severity of the effects cockroaches can have on their health,"
says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA.
"We want to educate consumers about what they can do to avoid and
eliminate these pests before being exposed to these risks."
Cockroaches prefer warm, moist places with available food
sources, so eliminating those attractive environments can help
prevent cockroach infestations. NPMA offers the following tips to
avoid cockroach infestations:
- Do not allow dirty dishes to accumulate in the sink and remain
- Keep food scraps in the refrigerator or in containers with
- Remove garbage from the home on a routine basis and vacuum
- Periodically check and clean the evaporation pan under the
refrigerator or freezer
- Seal cracks around the outside of the home to prevent pest
- If you suspect you have an infestation, contact a licensed pest
professional to identify the species and recommend a course of
For more information or to find a pest professional visit: www.pestworld.org.
NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was
established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's
commitment to the protection of public health, food and