You wouldn't want to see a cockroach crawling over your food at a restaurant, but did you know that a fly would leave even more germs behind? Flies actually spread a higher number of germs than cockroaches, yet restaurant patrons aren't bothered by them as much.
Scientific research shows that flies carry more disease-causing pathogens than cockroaches, but a new survey shows that restaurant patrons are more likely to eat food touched by flies. Restaurant patrons underestimate the health threats flies present, according to a new survey released by Orkin.
Flies carry the most diseases of any pest - more than 100 pathogens. They also are known to easily spread diseases. Flies pick up disease-causing organism and easily transfer them to other food sources.
Unique Facts: Oriental cockroaches are sometimes called "water bugs" because they come out of drains, and "black beetle cockroaches" because of their smooth, dark bodies. This species creates a strong smell and is considered one of the dirtiest of all the cockroaches.
It is believed that the cockroach may be a reservoir for a range of bacteria including salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus. The cockroach can also harbour viruses such as the polio virus.
These cockroaches prefer areas where they can snack on garbage and other decaying organic matter. Crawling around garbage means they carry all of this bacteria (e. coli and salmonella) around with them where they travel. They transmit these diseases and pathogens onto food and clean surfaces around your home.
After roach sighting, throw out any food that was contaminated. Remove any other food items that were possibly touched by the bug. If you have already eaten the food unintentionally, you may not become sick right away. Repetitive eating, however, could lead to illness.
Cockroaches are repulsive and embarrassing to most people simply by their presence. They may contaminate food, kitchen utensils, and other household items, and they leave an unpleasant odor.
B) Friendly cockroach:
This is the second most commonly used name for Luridiblatta trivittata. This name is often used within the Bug Guide database, but is restricted to image submission posts and the comments section.
There is no such thing as 'cleanest insect'. Quantitative comparisons of cleanliness is not a useful exercise. Each insect species will pick up microorganisms in the environment that they live in.
The E. coli break down molecules of food that the human body can't disassemble on its own, and they crowd out other bacteria less suited to cooperation with a human host (and more likely to go rogue and send us back to the toilets, or worse).
Among the species predicted to harbour the highest number of potential human pathogens are chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).
The kitchen holds the title for “germiest place in the house”, where bacterial contamination is far more common than in the bathroom, for example: Kitchen rags, towels and sponges are notorious for bacterial contamination.
You'd easily mistake it for a tree branch! The Cleanest…and Dirtiest? It might be difficult to believe, but the cockroach might be the “cleanest” species of insect. (That doesn't say much for the rest of the insect world, does it?)
Vinegar is a natural household ingredient that can repel and kill cockroaches. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water, and then spray it directly onto the roaches when spotted. The strong odour and acidity of vinegar can be effective in eliminating them instantly.
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) earned its name from its tendency to release an odor when disturbed or when crushed.
Squashing a cockroach can spread disease
The World Health Organization also advises against crushing them, for reasons of hygiene.
Hence, stepping on and crushing a cockroach using your foot is not a good idea, as it can cause its bacteria-carrying gut juices to splash around your floor. Aside from carrying bacteria and viruses, cockroaches also contain a protein that serves as an allergen for numerous people.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that crushing a cockroach releases a harmful bacterium into the environment. The bacteria can cause asthma attacks, as well as allergies when inhaled. It may sound rare but it is actually more common that we realise.
It's a fact that cockroaches are afraid of humans and other mammals or animals that are bigger than them. They see us as predators and that fear triggers their instinct to scatter away. However, they dislike strong and distinctive scents such as citrus, peppermint, lavender and vinegar.
Another mind-blowing fact about cockroaches is that they are thigmotropism. They like to be touched all over. This is the reason why they love tight spaces in your homes like crevices and fissures. They also love living in clutters because they love the sensation of being touched.
How Long Do Cockroaches Live? All cockroaches go through three stages of life: egg, nymph, and adult. While these insects usually live about 6 to 15 months, the cockroach lifespan varies based on species, moisture, and temperature in each of these phases.
Cockroach Bites Can Cause Allergic Reactions
The bites from the pest may not be dangerous, but the allergens they carry are the problem. It can cause skin reactions, which may also trigger asthma attacks. When you are bitten, it can swell and might have a rash, which can last for days.
While many cockroach species are winged, most do not fly at all. As a general rule, cockroaches are not great flyers. There are several species that are active and capable of flying short distances. These include the male brown-banded cockroach and the male Pennsylvania wood cockroach.