Pest Organisms / Brown-banded Cockroach
Risks
This is mainly a health and contamination pest, not a structural one. Indoor cockroach infestations are a major allergen source and a recognized asthma risk factor for children, especially in multi-unit housing. Source: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7467.html Source: https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/cockroaches The residue a roach leaves behind — bits of its saliva, droppings, and molted skins — can flare up allergy and asthma symptoms, with children most affected. Source: https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/cockroaches Source: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/cockroach-control/ On food safety, foraging roaches soil food and utensils and leave stains and odors. Source: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7467.html Bacteria, protozoa, and viruses have been isolated from roaches, which are linked to gastrointestinal illness like food poisoning and diarrhea. Source: https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/cockroaches Source: https://extension.psu.edu/german-cockroaches