Cockroaches are associated with filth and inadequate sanitation. Because of their feeding and nesting behaviours, they can collect a variety of harmful organisms, which they then spread to food and surfaces where they feed and crawl. Therefore, cockroach control is necessary for your house, apartment building, or office to save yourself from cockroach-borne diseases.
Dubai is just like any cosmopolitan city regarding diseases spread by cockroaches. Unfortunately, cockroaches can survive in the worst conditions. So the buildings and infrastructure of Dubai provide them with a warm environment, which they need to thrive.
Cockroaches can be found in over 3000 different species worldwide, depending on their habitat. Some are considered pests, while others are useful to the environment.
German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and Brown-banded cockroaches are pest cockroaches known to carry various diseases. The most common cockroach in Dubai is the German cockroach(Blattellagermanica).
This is due to their capability to survive the harshest of conditions.
Common Diseases Spread By Cockroaches In Dubai
1. Salmonella.
Rodents and cockroaches are the most common spreaders of salmonella. Salmonella is caused when roaches contaminate food. When the food is consumed, the effects start within 8 to 72 hours. The symptoms only start once you have consumed the contaminated food, and it passes through your digestive system.
Symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea.
- Stomach (abdominal) cramps.
- Fever and Chills.
- Nausea and Vomiting.
Plenty of rest and plenty of fluids are needed to recover from salmonella.
Pro tip: Be careful while handling animals; always remember to clean your hands afterward.
2. Cholera.
The Vibrio cholera bacteria causes cholera, an acute diarrhoeal infection. It’s especially widespread in underdeveloped countries and locations where environmental management isn’t up to par.
Infection develops when the bacterium is consumed in contaminated food or drink. Cockroaches can spread the bacteria through their faeces and vomit, contaminating surfaces and food if they are exposed to it. Although the bacterium is present in their faeces for 1-10 days after infection, approximately 80% of those infected with cholera develop no symptoms.
Pro Tip: Clean dirty dishes and any food spills immediately. The leftovers from these really help cockroaches thrive.
3. E. Coli Infections.
The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) is widely found in the animal intestine. Although the bacteria is generally innocuous, some types can cause significant food poisoning. You can get E.coli by touching the contaminated surface or inhaling the air.
Watery diarrhoea and stomach discomfort are two of the most typical signs of an E. coli infection. Symptoms include;
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Muscle ache
Symptoms normally last three weeks and require little to no medical attention. E Coli infections can turn into outbreaks if more than one person gets infected. However, these outbreaks are rare as businesses and homeowners frequently conduct cockroach control in Dubai.
Pro Tip: Using a mix of soap and lemon concentrate around your garbage area and kitchen can help combat E.coli. Although not a permanent fix, a solid option for short-term cleanliness.
4. Listeriosis.
The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, which is a dangerous infection. Consumption of tainted food and drink is the most common way to contract it.
People with compromised immune systems, such as pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly, are more susceptible to listeriosis. People with robust immune systems can also be impacted, though this is uncommon.
In 2018, a listeriosis outbreak almost occurred in Dubai. Symptoms of Listeriosis include:
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Diarrhoea
Other symptoms can include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions if the sickness progresses outside the gastrointestinal tract.
Contracting listeriosis while pregnant can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or early delivery. This is one of the serious diseases spread by cockroaches.
Pro Tip: Always wash all your vegetables, fruits, and fresh items before consuming them. Preferably with lukewarm water as that kills the listeria monocytogenes.
5. Typhoid Fever.
The same cockroaches in Dubai, which spread salmonella, can also spread Typhoid.
In industrialised countries, typhoid fever is uncommon. However, it remains a severe health danger in the impoverished world, particularly for children.
Typhoid fever is caused by contaminated food and drink and intimate contact with an infected individual. Typical signs and symptoms include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Stomach ache.
- Diarrhoea or constipation.
Most persons with typhoid fever improve within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment, although a very small percentage may die due to complications. Typhoid fever vaccines are only moderately effective. Therefore, vaccines are often reserved for persons who may be exposed to the disease.
Pro Tip: Ask your local doctor if you are eligible for the typhoid vaccine if you are travelling to a country with high transmission rates of Typhoid.
6. Triggers Asthma and Allergies.
Allergic reactions to cockroaches are a recently discovered phenomenon. Children are more at risk when it comes to allergies. Cockroaches can also be problematic for asthma patients. They are known to trigger asthma attacks in young children and developing adults. This is because cockroaches also carry pathogens along with a variety of bacteria.
Since most cockroaches in Dubai are German cockroaches (Blattellagermanica), these have a longer survival period. Therefore, the chances of pathogens contaminating your air are higher. Common symptoms of cockroach allergy include rashes, runny nose, itching, cough, and runny nose.
Over-the-counter, antiasthmatic drugs can combat the symptoms.
Pro Tip: Make sure to keep cracks around your house sealed to stop the cockroaches from having safe hideouts. It will also prevent debris collection, as cockroaches shed their skin. In addition, this will reduce the chances of asthma attacks and allergies.
How to control diseases spread by cockroaches?
Cockroaches generally only come out during the dark, making them harder to deal with. The following directions can help you limit diseases spread by cockroaches in Dubai.
1. Cleanliness
Cleaning is one of the most effective ways to keep cockroaches at bay. It will make your property less tempting to them in the first place, but it will also remove any bacteria or viruses that they may have spread.
Cleaning floors, work surfaces, sinks, drains regularly, and cooking utensils, cutlery, and crockery before and after use are recommended. It’s also good to remove any potential food sources, such as dropped food, grease behind ovens, and pet faeces.
2. Basic hygiene.
Handwashing regularly can help to reduce the risk of contracting cockroach-borne infections. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water to help eradicate any bacteria, germs, or viruses that could cause cockroach-borne infections. Using a sanitiser works just as well.
It is critical to wash your hands before, during, and after food preparation.
After an analytical survey, areas like Jumeirah lake towers, Deira, and Silicon Oasis were more exposed to cockroaches.
3. Professional Cockroach control.
Your residence can be infested with just one egg capsule in a year.
German cockroaches in Dubai are the most prevalent and numerous in any infestation.
This can make dealing with cockroaches in Dubai a nightmare. However, companies like GoldenFalcon can eliminate cockroaches in your house completely. With over 19 years of experience, they have the right treatments for pests that are non-toxic and effective.
CONCLUSION.
It is natural to have a few types of pests in your environment. They are a part of nature and sometimes play a role in ecological diversity. However, pests such as cockroaches can harm your family’s health or even shut down your business.
It is very important to follow hygienic practices and have regular cleanings.
Apart from this, using professional cockroach control is a must. This is the only way to be sure that you will not be harmed. Cockroaches, especially German cockroaches, can survive harsh conditions and even pesticides!
They also multiply very fast, as just one cockroach can lay up to 40 eggs at once.
Cockroach control is important for every household and office building, as this guarantees your safety and well-being.
FAQs:
1. Are cockroaches common in Dubai?
Yes, like all cosmopolitan cities, cockroaches are common in Dubai. The most common is the German cockroach(Blattellagermanica).
2. Will killing a cockroach attract more cockroaches?
Depends on how you kill it; if you use professional pest control, no cockroaches will be attracted. However, if you do it yourself by using home traps or pesticides, then yes, the carcass of the cockroach will attract other cockroaches.
3. Do cockroaches bite humans?
No, however, they can cause scratches as they have bristles on their legs. They mainly spread disease by contaminating the area and living in your house.
4. What is the best way to get rid of cockroaches?
Keeping your surroundings clean and not letting dirty dishes and garbage pile up are some ways to tackle cockroaches. However, if the population is high, you must hire a professional pest control service.