Why Stepping On A Cockroach Is A Bad Way To Eliminate It

October 11, 2022
Why Stepping On A Cockroach Is A Bad Way To Eliminate It

Cockroaches are among the sturdiest and most challenging pests to eliminate. This is because their body is designed to endure a variety of physical stresses, such as pinching, squeezing, and squashing. In fact, these insects can continue to chug without their head for a couple of days, thrive without food for a month, and even survive a nuclear blast.

Aside from a disgusting appearance, cockroaches are also known for carrying parasitic worms, spreading various types of bacteria, and transmitting salmonella. Hence, it is essential to get rid of cockroaches in your home as much as possible. However, as mentioned earlier, eliminating cockroaches safely is not easy. Read on to find out why simply stepping on a cockroach is not a good way to kill this pesky insect.

1. The gut juices of a crushed cockroach can spread bacteria

Cockroaches are known for spreading a significant list of bacteria, moulds, funguses, and even viruses from place to place. In addition, some cockroaches may even carry a parasite that causes giardiasis, an amoeba that causes dysentery, and a virus that leads to polio. According to several studies, cockroaches have a strong secondary role in transmitting diseases because they transfer or excrete pathogens and feed on human excrement.

Similar studies have shown that a cockroach can carry bacteria in its gut for several months or even years. These organisms are then thrown out when the cockroach leaves its droppings around your house. Hence, stepping on and crushing a cockroach using your foot is not a good idea, as it can cause its bacteria-carrying gut juices to splash around your floor.

2. The crushed body parts of a cockroach can trigger allergies 

Aside from carrying bacteria and viruses, cockroaches also contain a protein that serves as an allergen for numerous people. An allergen is essentially a substance that causes an allergic reaction. The different body parts, waste, and saliva of cockroaches are allergens for certain individuals. Even dead cockroaches can still cause some allergic reactions.

Therefore, it is not advisable to step on a cockroach, as its crushed body parts can trigger some allergies. Besides allergies, some researchers are also looking into evidence that early exposure to cockroach allergen can result in the development of asthma in preschool-aged children. At present, several studies have already revealed that a cockroach allergy can also trigger asthma attacks.

3. Pheromones are released when a cockroach is killed

Pheromones are the chemicals excreted by the bacteria living inside the gut of a cockroach. Certain types of insects, like cockroaches, communicate with one another through pheromones. Once a cockroach is killed, it releases a smell, sometimes referred to as the ‘stench of death’, by secreting pheromones. These pheromones secreted upon death serve two purposes: to inform the other cockroaches not to stay near imminent danger, and attract hungry cockroaches to feast on the dead roach.

In essence, the pungent smell of the pheromones released by a dead cockroach attracts other cockroaches. This similar substance is what these insects also use to attract the opposite sex. When a cockroach finds an excellent area to live in, it marks the pace with the odour of pheromones that attract others. Hence, it is vital not to allow cockroaches to release pheromones inside your home if you do not want a troublesome infestation to occur.

Conclusion

While it is easy to kill a sneaking cockroach by simply stepping on it, this method of eliminating roaches is not advisable, as it comes with several health dangers. Moreover, this killing method can also be counterproductive since it can attract more cockroaches into your house instead of eliminating them. If you want to get rid of these pesky insects from your home without risking your loved ones’ health, the best course of action you should take is to hire the services of professional pest control in Singapore.

For the most effective and reliable pest control services in town, PestClinic is the service provider to choose! We provide comprehensive and affordable pest control services that will surely put a stop to any pest infestation that may be happening inside your house. We are particularly trusted for having the best services for cockroach elimination and termite control in Singapore. Whatever pest problem you have, we can solve them! Drop us a call at any time to learn more about our services.

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