It is no fun to turn the light on in your bathroom during a nighttime visit and see a cockroach clinging to the wall above your light switch, or worse, balanced on the bristles of your toothbrush. Cockroaches are gross. This alone is enough reason for residents in Winston-Salem to want to get rid of them. But cockroaches don't just look gross; they are gross. Cockroaches feed on rotting organic matter and animal feces—among other things. This exposes them to harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that have the ability to cause disease. If cockroaches get into your home, or infest your business, they can spread illness and create many problems. The more you know about cockroaches in Winston-Salem, the better off you'll be. Here are six things everyone should know about cockroaches.

1. Studies Link Cockroaches To Asthma Symptoms

Recent studies have conclusively linked cockroaches to symptoms of asthma. It has been found that cockroaches shed tiny particles that can cause respiratory issues in people who have an allergy. In homes with a cockroach infestation, hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms were found to be much higher. There is also a link to saliva and feces of cockroaches causing an allergic reaction. If you have chronic respiratory issues in your home, cockroaches could be to blame.

2. Cockroaches Can Carry Parasites On Their Bodies

When cockroaches get in dumpsters, sewers, and other dirty places, they can pick up parasitic worms. In a recent study, cockroaches were collected in an urban environment and six unique parasitic worms were found in the exoskeletons of those cockroaches: Ascaris, Trichuris, Capillaria, Toxocara, hookworm, and Eimeria. It has been determined that almost all of the parasites found are capable of zoonosis. If you're not familiar with the term, zoonosis refers to a disease that is capable of being transmitted from animals to humans.

3. Cockroaches Are Commonly Associated With Food Poisoning

When you hear of a business battling an E. coli or Salmonella outbreak, cockroaches are often to blame. These are just two of more than thirty-three bacteria spread by cockroaches. The symptoms of food poisoning or gastroenteritis are pain in the belly, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If symptoms persist, it can lead to dehydration, which might require hospitalization.

4. Cockroaches Are incredibly Mobile

When a dirty cockroach gets into your property, they have the ability to get into every room from the top to the bottom. These insects can climb horizontal and vertical surfaces and compact their bodies to squeeze through the tiniest of gaps. And some species are capable of flight. If all of this doesn't give them enough access, newly hatched cockroaches of some species are so small they are able to pass through the holes of an electrical outlet. This makes cockroaches extremely difficult to control.

5. Cockroaches Can Chew Into Food Packages

When dirty cockroaches get into your pantry or kitchen, you should know that your food packages won't keep them out. Cockroaches are able to chew through paper, thin plastic, and cardboard. This can contaminate your food and lead to illness.

6. Cockroaches Can Be Controlled

While difficult, it is possible to get control of cockroaches and keep them out of your home or business. But it requires training and experience. DIY cockroach treatments are rarely effective.

Professional Cockroach Control In Winston-Salem

If you live in the Winston-Salem area, reach out to Ray's Pest Control & Wildlife Removal. Our team has the training and experience to eliminate the cockroach activity in your home. Don't risk the health of your family or the reputation of your business. Contact Ray's Pest Control & Wildlife Removal for immediate assistance.