Diseases

Cockroaches are synonymous with filth and poor hygiene. Their feeding and nesting habits mean they can accumulate a range of pathogenic organisms which they transmit to food and surfaces where they feed and crawl.

For businesses this can impact customer and staff health. In addition, for businesses handling and processing food it could result in a breach of food safety laws.

Transmission occurs indirectly, from consumption or contact with items which have been contaminated by cockroaches.

Cockroaches can transmit the following diseases:

• Salmonellosis
• Typhoid Fever
• Cholera
• Dysentery
• Leprosy
• Plague
• Campylobacteriosis
• Listeriosis

Cockroaches can also trigger asthma and other allergies as well as spread E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus.