Jeff Flowers on January 12, 2015 50 Comments Having any sort of infestation in your home can make your stomach turn. Rats, termites, and rodents of all shapes and sizes cause many different kinds of problems. Some of these problems can affect the integrity of your home while others can directly affect your health. A cockroach infestation can be a serious problem for any building, home or commercial. To understand the seriousness of a cockroach infestation it helps to understand what they are, where they thrive, how to get rid of them and what you can do to minimize the allergies that they cause. What Are Cockroaches? Cockroaches are insects that are identified by their long antennae and legs. They kind of look like beetles and may come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. There are about 30 different species of cockroaches, though only 4 are known to be pests. Photo Credit: BrewBooks / Flickr These bugs are scavengers, which means they go out and collect food. Ultimately, this means they go where the food is. If they can’t find food, they continue to look for it until they find it. Unfortunately, this oftentimes brings them into your home. Where Do Cockroaches Thrive? Cockroaches thrive best in warm conditions, particularly in areas where the temperature exceeds 70° Fahrenheit. They absolutely love humid and dark places. Cockroaches run away from bright light, which means you are unlikely to find them crawling out in the open on a sunny summer day. Even if there are a lot of cockroaches in one room, when you turn on a light, they will scatter. Typical of scavengers, if they discover that they have plenty of access to food crumbs or scraps inside your home, they are more likely to take up residence. They are also attracted to garbage and garbage disposals, since this is where a lot of food ends up. This can have adverse effects on the health of anyone inhabiting the building that the cockroaches infest. How Cockroaches Cause Allergies Wherever cockroaches go, they leave behind traces of their existence. Signs that you have a cockroach infestation include feces, saliva, and parts of their bodies that they shed or that fall off. Similar to dust mites, these parts of a cockroach contain specific proteins or allergens that may cause allergies or can even trigger asthma symptoms. In addition to these proteins that the cockroaches naturally carry, there have been tests done on cockroaches that examine the pathogens in their bodies. The scary thing is that cockroaches can carry some serious diseases. Salmonella Typhi, which causes Typhoid, has been found in cockroaches. Poliomyelitis, which causes Polio, has also been found in these insects. They can also cause Dysentery, a disease that causes severe diarrhea that may include bleeding. Symptoms of Cockroach Problems Physical signs that you have a cockroach problem can be seeing the roaches themselves. Since they run from the light and are nocturnal, they may be difficult to see. They will hide in weird places, including in drains and under mats. If you don’t see any roaches, you can still find feces that kind of look like pepper spilled on the floor. The amount of feces you find can be an indicator as to how many cockroaches you are dealing with. Photo Credit: Kodomut / Flickr Sometimes cockroaches emit odors which you may smell if you have a really bad infestation. You may also find bodies of dead roaches or sometimes eggs lying around. If you notice members of your family suddenly having symptoms of allergies and asthma, such as constant sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, or difficulty breathing while in the home, this can be an indicator of some sort of infestation. You really want to get your home examined if you or your family members experience severe diarrhea related to the condition of your home. Getting Rid of Cockroaches You have probably heard legends of cockroaches surviving everything, including any apocalypse the world can imagine going through. Cockroaches may be tough to beat, but they are certainly not invincible. If you suspect you have an infestation, your best bet is to hire a professional pest control technician to come and examine your property. The technician should be able to confirm whether or not you have an actual infestation. If you do have an infestation, your home will likely need to be treated by the pest control company. To prevent a cockroach infestation, it helps to have covers on your drains through which cockroaches cannot climb. You should also try to keep your floors and counters as free of food crumbs as possible. Roaches are also attracted to food that is in trash cans. In addition to food, roaches will eat paper and glue, such as that found in books or magazines. Keep these off of the floor and in containers as necessary. Always clean up messes when eating, including doing the dishes in the sink. You can find traps for capturing roaches if you want to try to treat the infestation yourself. Depending on the size of the infestation, however, you might want to consider professional pest control. Managing Symptoms Caused by Cockroaches To prevent and manage allergies caused by cockroaches, your best bet is to get rid of any sort of infestation entirely. Whether you decide to fight them yourself or call out pest control, getting rid of the infestation in your home will give you the best shot at minimizing the effects. It would also be wise to thoroughly clean your home. Remove the clutter and deep-clean everything. This will go a long way in creating an environment that is not favorable to cockroaches. Use an air purifier to help capture any roach droppings that may be airborne. If you or your family experience symptoms that are life-threatening, such as not being able to breathe or experience severe and bloody diarrhea, seek emergency medical help right away. If your allergies get really bad, you may want to consult a medical professional for help. Allergies can usually be prevented with medication and asthma can be treated with an inhaler. Once the roaches are gone, you and your family are more likely to get back to a normal, healthy life. It’s Never Too Late to Take Action It’s a fact that cockroaches can cause all sorts of health problems, including allergies and asthma in young children. It’s never too late to take action if you live in an area where a pest infestation is a possibility. Keep your home as clean as possible and clean up quickly after food messes. Get a pest inspection if you find signs of roaches or other pests in or around your home. Above all, seek medical help if you or your family need it. Getting help and taking action will help you and your family remain healthy and your home pest-free.
D.O. says December 16, 2015 at 9:57 pm Will I be able to break my lease. I moved into a home with roaches I have asthma, children with add and one child with breathing problems. It seems that my child’s breathing as well as mine has gotten wore not to mention how many times I change a poppy dipper. The landlord has sprayed three times. I really just want to break the least and find something comfortable. Reply
Yvonne says April 9, 2017 at 5:26 am It’s the law and responsibility for the landlord to provide pest control. PERIOD. ☺ Reply
Djb says April 14, 2018 at 2:15 am I am sick with allergies and have diarrhea starting with bleeding we have had them sprayed 5 times and they are still here plus the place I am living has terrible cabinets kitchen and there is always cockroaches on the wall. I have been sick since I moved here. No allergy medicine helps. Reply
Karen Mckinnon says February 20, 2016 at 12:34 am Hello I went to the Dr. to take a allergy test, I want to know what I was allergic to, they ran two test come to find out I am allergic to cockroach dropping my head hurts and stays stopped up all the time, now I am using nasal spray twice a day, I want to know will I have to use it the rest of my life. Reply
Gwen says March 29, 2016 at 9:06 pm My son is going thru the same thing. The reaches in his apt has somehow evolved and aren’t afraid to show themselves in light. He has allergies and nausea along with bouts of diarrhea. They sprayed once but the whole place needs to be tented because they’re still there. He told them he will not be paying rent until the problem is fixed. They in turn told him to move by April 7th which is in a week and that they won’t charge him for the 7 days he’s there. There has got to be something he can do. Any answers!!!!??!! Reply
Paula says May 3, 2016 at 3:35 pm We have 4 disabled people in the house. 3 of us just have our medicare pay to work with? How can we defeat the severe roach problem without money? 1 person is already on oxygen therapy! What can we do? Reply
Jani says June 20, 2016 at 12:16 am We ill people in your home, if you are renters contact the landlord, have him hire an professional licensed and insured exterminator. In the meantime, read this site. Peppermint Oil will help. Keep all drains covered at night. No dishes in sink , counters wiped down and floors cleaned. Leave lights on in places where you see them the most. Please – Please do not buy Organic pesticide.I used EcoSmart pest control and have been deathly ill. I spent my entire Birthday in bed and the next two days due to the stench of that spray. Violent headache, severe vertigo, nausea. Roaches can and do carry deadly diseases. If you are a renter, I surely would send a certified letter to him return receipt, and contact the Board of Health. If your a home owner, I would call in an professional. If the infestation is bad, the house may have to be tented. I know where mine came from and if the person refuses to do anything, she will be paying my attorney fees, time for me in a hotel while they get rid of them, meals and kennels for my dogs.She is a heath care worker and she knows she has them and the house is under foreclosure and there are thousands in the house and to make matters worse, so many have come and gone so more then likely others have them too. It will cost her much less if she just supplies an exterminator and reimburses me. I didn’t know why I was getting sick. And I had no idea the Organic spray that does work, but the smell is awful , takes your breath away has stuff in it they won’t name and they tell you that take NO responsibility. I was not the one who sprayed so didn’t know until to weeks later why I got sick and each day I get sicker. You might feel like it’s your sinus but trust me it’s not. Each time you breathe in your home, you are inhaling roach excrement. People need to learn to be responsible. Roaches love dark places and hate light. They love to eat trash and leave their roach poop on floor and counters ext and also saliva. It can cause anything from the symptoms I mentioned above to salmonella to polio –they are horrible filthy nasty creatures. Any holes in area where pipes come in from outside walls or dryers you can plug with spray foam. If you get the peppermint oil, put it in spray bottle, add 10 drops of peppermint oil with 2-part water and 1-part vinegar (white, ideally). use this mixture in cracks and corners in your house. This will help deter cockroaches, as well as other inscets. You can do the same to the extererior with either this mixture or soap with pepermint oil in it. Take care of yourselves and good luck! Reply
Tim says July 17, 2018 at 2:45 am Wow! You really just grabbed a lot of what I’m going through and my family and actually it’s quite concerning so wow is all I can say it’s weird cuz they don’t look like they’re not in the house they’re mostly look like I said beetle/ roach no antenas outside in the garage and look like and families health, daughter and grachridren as well as as Wife….ore of a beetle bug / roach and then the side yard so I don’t know I think I want to actually probably have a better conversation with you about this because I think it’s affecting us there are six of us in the house holdmy health hurt ache and Reply
Bob stark says April 12, 2017 at 9:55 pm Layer up. Contingency fee. 40/60 split. Live better with dignity. Call either County DA or City Attorney Office. Reply
Boats_Ribeye says May 17, 2016 at 10:21 pm D. O. I honestly hope you have moved out of there by now considering six months ago you asked that question. There are number things you can do the first option would be to quit paying rent and save your money so that when you get evicted you’re able to get another place right away, and not paying rent would get you evicted. If your landlord isn’t aware of the problem make them aware. If they are aware of the problem and refuse to do anything file a complaint with the police department and ask them for suggestions. Reply
Toyin says September 23, 2016 at 4:06 pm What works is really simple, equal parts baking soda and suger. Put the mixture in little lids or tins where you know the roaches are: behind the fridge, behind the stove, cupboards etc. The roaches eat the mixture, it gives them gas which they can’t release and they blow up. Problem solved. After about 3-4 days, you won’t see roaches. Good luck! Reply
Frank says January 20, 2017 at 2:13 am Yeah, thanks for the advice asshole. I took it and ended up with 20 exploded roaches in my kitchen. Yes they are dead but I have roach guts and pieces splattered across my entire kitchen. Reply
Super pissed tenant says October 9, 2016 at 10:04 pm Having a huge problem with roaches , landlord comes and sprays something ( which I think is water) because it does nothing but brings more out . These roaches are getting disrespectful they come out when people are over which I entirely embarrassing . It wasn’t never like this until we had to leaks come from the second floor apts . My landlord just brush the fact we have roaches and now mice like its nothing . I have to kids 6&3 and my youngest has respitory issues . I don’t know whether to take him to court because moving is not an option right now . ( schooling zone for my son and haven’t found any apt in the school zone ) tried everything from gels , to sprays, traps , bombs , peppermint oil leaving lights on ( which becomes costly because we pay for light ) and every other thing . My kids are afraid to play on the floor , go to the bathroom by themselves , play in their room and so on . I’m f$&@ing pissed ! What should I do . He’s so damn cheap and will not get an exterminator . Reply
Philip Roos says November 15, 2016 at 5:47 pm I run a pest control company and I am in the process of starting a non-profit company that deals with not only eradicating roaches in low income homes, but also removing the excretion and feces that cause asthma and other breathing issues in people, but especially newborn babies, babies and small children. Liquid treatment for roaches is worthless! You might as well be spraying water! Baits is the only way to go. Even baits that you buy at Walmart is going to be a hundred times better that liquid treatments of any kind. But make sure to buy the bait that you buy in a syringe that comes in a gel form. When you put it out, make sure the placements are no bigger than the size of a writing pen tip, and put them out about 3-6″ apart where you see roaches or their excretion and feces. Reply
jj cummings says June 2, 2018 at 8:23 pm Hi! I was wondering if there is a specific kind or brand of bait that you recommend, are these very expensive, and where can I get them (what store, website, ect.). Reply
james says November 27, 2016 at 7:29 am put your rent money in a esqro account the landlord can’t touch the money till the problems are fixed and he can’t evict you because the money is there for him it’s just waiting for him to do what is needed to be done if he says get out say take me to court and he will look like a slumlord Reply
Monica says December 15, 2016 at 1:01 pm I accidentally drank some juice that had a cockroach in it now I’m scared this is gonna make me sick what can I do about this situation? Reply
Amy says December 29, 2016 at 4:21 am So I won’t say where the roaches came from, but I’m not happy about this crap!!! I have now been sick exactly a month you name it I’ve now had it and have to be on 2 inhalers all winter been on antibiotics steroids I’ve spent way to much money now I know why very informative. But now I’m so pissed off I may quit my place of employment. Reply
Terri says March 13, 2017 at 4:41 pm I have been sick for six month, come to just find out I’m allergic to cockroaches, and they are in my work place! Now I have asthma attacks! Just quit my job today! Hope I start feeling better. Reply
Judde says March 30, 2017 at 1:32 am I have been working for a nonprofit organization for eight months. I have been sick with upper respiratory infections since I started. After working there for awhile I found they had a infestation of roaches. The bad thing about this situation is I have brought these creatures home with me. Now I not only have an infestation but I’m very sick and on antibiotics. I also live in connecting apartments. Is there anything I can do to get this company to help with an exterminator? Reply
s webb says April 17, 2017 at 12:00 am Roaches hate Ammonia, put some in a spray bottle and spray all counters floors baseboards, tub and sink drains, under stoves, refrigerator, counter tops, and any where else you have seen them! Roaches also hate bay leaves, so place a few in the cupboards, and under sinks. We moved into apartments and had them, followed this advice and treated home two times, no bugs here now!!!! Reply
s webb says April 17, 2017 at 12:07 am I also soaked cotton balls in the ammonia and placed them in corners under sinks and in food cupboards. They hate Ammonia, if you hit them with a spray bottle the roll over and die!! Reply
Mohib Jivan says September 4, 2017 at 6:03 am I was going to say the same thing too! Glad you listed that. Bay leaves and ammonia really worked for me also. Here is something that should be an addendum: either spearmint oil or peppermint oil (20 drops) in 8 ounces of water, in a spray bottle….include that in your regimen. Spray everywhere, cupboards, under sinks, pantries, shelves, even carpet, floors, etc.They hate scent of mint also. I was doing this, and bay leaves, and ammonia, got rid of them in a a couple of weeks. Reply
Mohib Jivan says September 4, 2017 at 6:21 am White wine vinegar works also. Everyone that have allergies, try to use these holistic approaches. The pesticides are just going to make you more sicker, as they have poisonous fumes. Reply
Swim says July 14, 2017 at 3:12 am I am experiencing severe diarrhea and have a bad infestation of cockroaches and my right eye had swollen up on me and was constantly watering and was extremely sensitive to light it wasn’t pink eye bc I had no discharge coming from my eye could this be why I’m having these uncomfortable major issues? Reply
Karen says August 7, 2017 at 10:14 pm I jus moved into a cheap studio with my bf and cat, the first day we moved in we found cockroach poop and dead roaches absolutely everywhere( especially in the kitchen cupboards. Gross!).The next 3 months drove us crazy with roaches climbing onto our bed and on the toilet we have to check before using it. We can’t sit on the rug it is so dirty and makes our feet itch! We’ve tried traps, spray, cleaning and removing but nothing’s working. Were about to break the lease and get out of here it’s only been 5 months and the landlord refuses to do anything about it. I’m also prone to pneumonia so I’m worried about my health and I have constant sinus issues. What should I do? Reply
Christina says August 19, 2017 at 9:01 pm Right to a Habitable Home You have a right to “habitable” premises. This is a fancy way of saying the apartment or house you are renting is fit to be lived in. Don’t compromise on this right. You have a right not to live in a hovel. Most states do not let a landlord put language in the lease stating that you “waive” the right (that is, give it up). The following conditions could make premises “uninhabitable.” Unsafe conditions, such as holes in the floor, plaster coming down from the ceiling, bad wiring, and the like. Gross infestation of vermin such as cockroaches or mice. Reply
Christina says August 19, 2017 at 9:11 pm Right to a Habitable Home You have a right to “habitable” premises. This is a fancy way of saying the apartment or house you are renting is fit to be lived in. Don’t compromise on this right. You have a right not to live in a hovel. Most states do not let a landlord put language in the lease stating that you “waive” the right (that is, give it up). The following conditions could make premises “uninhabitable.” Unsafe conditions, such as holes in the floor, plaster coming down from the ceiling, bad wiring, and the like. Gross infestation of vermin such as cockroaches or mice. Please look up the fair housing act if you are aware of your rights and let your lanlord know you are and you will take them to court they will get rid of the problem . Start by email the landlord about the problem write a letter to him document the dates and time you made them aqare of thi problem take photos of your problem make copies of your renters rights and let him know you have these rights and you will be taking him to court if he dont fix the problem . those of you that have visit the doctors let doctor know about your problem and please keep all your hospital visit papers . Make landlord aware that you are aware of your renters rights . I pray this helps you Reply
Triggered says August 23, 2017 at 9:56 pm Were the ginormous pictures of the bugs really necessary ugh Reply
SANDRA G-V says August 27, 2017 at 11:29 am HELLO, I CLEAN HOUSES AND WAS ASKED TO CLEAN A HOME BADLY INFESTED WITH ROACHES, ITS SO BAD THAT YOU CAN SEE THE ROACH FECES EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK AND THE SMELL IS AWFUL!! I HAVE BEEN THERE TWICE NOW AND THE LAST TIME I COULD NOT STOP TASTING THE SMELL AND GAGGING. MY CHEST HURTS AND I HAVE A COUGH NOW. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT CAN COME FROM THIS? Reply
Alicia Cooper says October 30, 2017 at 6:04 am I have noticed they are multiplying, they aren’t afraid to show themselves in the light now, and they are very fast. I have believed that I’ve been bitten by one or a few. I also have pets and I’ve noticed flees around as well. I have gotten some kind if rash on my face and body and my eye is swollen. I wonder If I have allergies to the critters. Reply
Rose says December 1, 2017 at 4:02 am If you are seeing them in daylight ou have a SEVERE infestation.Get BBoric Acid and remove ALL plug covers and dump a generous amount behind the walls.Get Bengal spray or foggers and set them off one for each room.YES they can make eyes swell & cause rashes if thei poop and body parts get on you.Deep clean your place as well. Reply
Daniel Van Scoyk says November 3, 2017 at 8:16 am Will cockroach fesics make y sick I just rented apt the cabents are cake with cockroach fesics . Reply
Rose says December 1, 2017 at 4:05 am YES!Clean cabinets with a mild bleach solution to kill Salmonella & other illnesses from the roacjes.Next get some Boric Acid & take ALL plug covers off walls and dump a generous amount of the Boric Acid Powder.Get some Bengal ROach Spray or Fogger and set them off n your apartment.Deep Clean before you spray as well. Reply
Wilma Onafalujo says November 26, 2017 at 7:40 pm I have the same situation and called the board of health but they didn’t do any thing about it. Reply
SJ says December 12, 2017 at 12:02 am Read about boric acid. It really works. Also do all you can to seal food in tight containers. Never leave food out . Cover garbage disposal, avoid clutter. Reply
Jerry says December 18, 2017 at 12:45 am Contact L&I. Local license and inspection should be able to help you. Look up Tenant rights group too. Reply
Jerry says December 18, 2017 at 12:57 am Doesn’t anyone inspect the apt/ house before signing a lease, smdh. If you’re that naive to rent without taking a tour first, you deserve the misery. Common sense people. Reply
T says January 2, 2018 at 11:39 am I too have started having the same problem including major diarrhea where I live they have you sign a paper claiming there’s no bugs no infestation of anything but yet they know that there is when I moved in the apartment next to me the people came out and warned me about the bugs warned me about the Cockroaches told me that they have had to have their place sprayed numerous times every other week she was having to unpack and repack so that they could kill cockroaches why do we have to pack all of our belongings up and clean the place up for them to come in and kill these bugs these bugs had brought a definite danger to my health I need to get out I don’t care that I do have rent assistance they don’t care about the infestation and they should and neither does the health department Pierce County I would appreciate any kind of feedback for help Reply
T says January 2, 2018 at 11:40 am I also have a medical working dog that is being affected by this I need to know who to take him to to build the apartment complex for the damage that has been done to my medical working dog he will not even eat out of his dishes on the floor because of the bugs he sits next to me on the couch to eat knowing that I won’t let bugs get to him and his food it’s a sad sad situation Reply
Goto haluso says March 4, 2018 at 1:29 pm The landlord simply has to provide pest control services Reply
sherry bellefontaine says March 9, 2018 at 7:03 pm i had a very bad roach infestation in my home in 2016. at first saw just a few i went to store soon as i saw them and bought this spray. i sprayed every night before going to bed it seemed to be working {i sprayed for a yr like this}. just when i thought they were gone BAM they were back and population doubled so out to store i went again bought another product i went through 4 gallons of 4 different sprays but to no avail they seemed to be feeding on it..i was at my wits end.i am terrified of cockroaches. finally a friend gave me a number of someone who did this on his own time, i called he came next day and had this little tube of Avert flowable powder. i was skeptical at first {i have 2 tiny dogs} i was scared it would hurt them he assured me it was safe.so i allowed him to use it. he only did a few puffs in each room concentrating on behind appliances again i wondered if this would do the trick. he charged me $200 to do this..to my amazement it worked i haven’t seen a roach in over a yr..i looked it up on internet {as a precaution for them not to return} and found i could buy it myself for 29.98. i ordered it and just received it today..i highly recommend this product..i have Asthma, COPD and Cancer i’m allergic to everything and not once did it effect me.believe me the roaches was so bad they would fall off the ceiling on me in bed ,make a sandwich they would be on it before i could put the top piece of the bed on it..i am a very happy camper now..it’s that time again for them to return so i’m going to kick cockroaches you know what before they get a chance to return.. Reply
Margaret says June 24, 2018 at 7:09 am I got bit a couple days ago and immediately developed a rash and I’ve been non stop vomiting ever since ive also experienced muscle fatigue my arms and legs are extremely heavy amd burns extremely fast im also extremely tired has anyone experienced this i also have asthma Reply
[…] is to seal off any potential entrance points, and to keep your home free of potential food sources. Bug feces is terrible for our health, so be sure to vacuum it up or get rid of it all however you […] Reply
