Cockroaches are some of the most persistent and annoying pests that exist, showing up even in a clean house. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, roaches bring with them a number of health hazards, especially for people with allergies.
Cockroach bodies, droppings and saliva contain allergens that can be particularly troubling to people with allergies or who have asthma. They are also germ-bearing pests that leave behind an offensive odor and can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Measures to control cockroaches, such as the use of pesticides, can also cause harm to people if used in too high a concentration.
You can take a number of measures to keep cockroaches under control. These include:
- Keeping food in sealed containers and making sure that any spills are cleaned up immediately.
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink. Wash the dishes as soon as possible.
- Clean up any clutter in the house, especially cardboard and paper.
- Fix leaks in the plumbing and the roofs. Cockroaches love moisture.
- Wipe counters and other surfaces after preparing a meal.
- Make sure that the garbage is kept in sealed containers, and remove it to an outside bin as soon as you can.
- Put out plenty of roach traps, and make sure you empty or dispose of them periodically.
Of course, even with the cleanest home, cockroaches can still be a problem and a health hazard. A professional pest control expert will be able to bring solutions to bear on an infestation that may not involve using harmful pesticides.
