Cockroaches travel through dirty areas, carrying germs from one place to another and contaminating food, surfaces, and other items they come in contact with. They spread more than 30 different types of bacteria, including salmonella, which can cause physical distress in humans. Their presence can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions, especially in children. Cockroaches may also feed on human skin, hair, and nails, causing irritation, swelling, and even open wounds.
Where are cockroaches commonly found?
- Roaches will take up residence anywhere they can find food, water, shelter, and warmth.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are usually prefer warm, dry locations and hide in closets, furniture, and cabinets.
- German cockroaches like warm, moist places like bathrooms and kitchens, as well as anywhere food is prepared. They are often found in restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and apartments.
- American cockroaches typically stay outdoors, though they will come inside to find food or escape the cold. They prefer dark, moist areas like basements, water pipes, and boiler rooms.
- Oriental cockroaches like moist, damp spots in crawl spaces, under porches, and around sewer drains and pipes.
- Wood cockroaches prefer to remain outside, making their homes under piles of wood, debris, and leaves.
