Do cockroaches spread diseases?

Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus and salmonella. They can also carry the polio virus, and have been known to trigger asthma attacks in some people. As cockroaches have a tendency to defecate and vomit on food they find, it’s imperative to secure food sources in the kitchen.

What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?

An intrusion of cockroaches will leave behind a number of tell-tale signs:-

• Faecal Droppings – they resemble coffee granules, and are black in colour.
• Foul smell – a cockroach infestation smells unpleasant (much like rotting garbage).
• Egg capsules – cockroach eggs are incubated in an ootheca (organic capsule), which is usually brown in colour and measures 5-8mm in length.
• Discarded skin (exuviae) – cockroach nymphs shed their skins multiple times before reaching maturity.
• Chew marks on food in kitchen – always dispose of spoiled food items immediately.
• Smear marks – cockroaches can leave brown / black smear marks when they encounter water. You’re likely to find evidence of smear marks in vanity units and kitchen sink cupboards.
• Daylight sightings – as nocturnal insects, cockroaches prefer to operate when you’re asleep. A large number of daylight sightings can indicate a serious infestation.