Cockroach Dangers; Myths VS Facts

There are many myths about cockroaches that many people take as true or just that— a myth. However there have been many studies conducted to prove which ones are myths and which ones are facts. Eagle Pest Services will share some of these discoveries to help you as a homeowner, business owner or a property manager learn what is reality and what notions are simply myths.    

- Myth 1.  All cockroaches are pests. Well no, not all cockroaches are considered to be a pest. Only 1% of cockroaches that will invade businesses and home can carry harmful diseases to humans.

- Myth 2. Cockroaches will only enter dirty homes or buildings. This is a false conception. Cockroaches are drawn to dirty homes because it is easier to find food and shelter and will become a breeding ground. However cockroaches will invade even the most clean homes and buildings. They still provide shelter and food still can be found.      

- Myth 3. Cockroaches carry and spread diseases. This is true; cockroaches often crawl in the filthiest of places contracting many diseases that can be very easily spread. Most disease can be spread with just direct contact with a surface, or through their feces. A person coming in contact with either an infected surface or feces left behind by a cockroach can get the disease themselves.

- Myth 4. Can cockroaches cause allergies? Yes cockroaches release proteins in their body that cause allergies. Some of these proteins are air borne skin flakes, feces, and cuticles left by cockroaches. Some studies show that about 30 million people in the US suffer from allergies due to cockroaches.

- Myth 5. Cockroach invasions most often happen during the winter time. This is again true. Most cockroach invasions occur during the winter time. There are two major factures. One is that they will seek refuge from the cold and two, you have holiday treats. Yep cockroaches have a major sweet tooth. All of those holiday goodies are too tempting to resist.        

- Myth 6. Cockroaches breed and reproduce more during the summer. Cockroaches do reproduce more in the summer time then in the winter. That is why most people believe cockroaches don’t pose a problem during the cold winter season. Cockroaches don’t reproduce nearly as rapidly in the winter due to the cold. Some say there is more food available during the summer than the winter and this is why they will naturally reproduce more in the summer time.

- Myth 7. Cockroaches only thrive in urban places verses rural. This is false, cockroaches live and thrive outdoor as well as indoors. They are a vital part of the food chain for many birds, reptiles, rodents and other insects. We are just not out in the open wilderness often enough to notice a cockroach dominated world.

- Myth 8. All cockroaches are capable of flying. Only a few species are equipped with wings and often they are not the most graceful of fliers. In fact in most cases, we don’t even consider it to be an actual flight; it’s more like taking off and falling.

Cockroach Control & Extermination

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding cockroaches. As you can see not all are true and not all are false. This knowledge can help you understand and prevent cockroaches from invading your home or business. If you are under threat by cockroaches or other pests, call Eagle Pest Services and we will be there for you.