Types of Health Problems Caused By Cockroaches

Cockroaches are more than just disgusting pests. Whether you’ve seen a brown banded cockroach crawling in your kitchen or an albino cockroach hiding in the basement, these insects are a major health risk. Found in homes across Canada—including cities like Regina, Saskatchewan, and Ontario—cockroaches contaminate food, trigger asthma, and spread disease-causing bacteria.

If you’ve ever wondered “can a roach bite?” or “will cockroaches bite humans?”—the answer is yes, though rare. More commonly, they cause issues through indirect contact—by crawling over surfaces, leaving droppings (aka poop cockroach), and shedding skin.

Let’s explore the most common diseases caused by cockroaches, how they spread, and what you should watch for.

How Do Roaches Spread Diseases?

Cockroaches spread pathogens by:

• Crawling on contaminated areas (e.g. garbage, sewers)
• Transferring bacteria like coli, Salmonella, and Enterococcus to surfaces and food
• Leaving feces, vomit, and body parts (shed skins) in kitchens and bathrooms
• Carrying parasites and allergens that can enter through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact

Common Roach-Related Diseases & Allergies

1. Typhoid Fever

Caused by Salmonella Typhi, this bacterial infection is marked by high fever, headache, stomach pain, and fatigue. Roaches easily transfer this through contaminated food.

2. Cholera & Dysentery

Spread by Vibrio cholerae, cholera is a diarrheal illness causing severe dehydration. Dysentery brings bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

3. Plague

Though more often rodent-borne, cockroaches have been linked to bubonic plague transmission in certain environments.

4. Food Poisoning

Cockroach feces and saliva can carry Salmonella and E. coli—causing nausea, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, and even life-threatening conditions if untreated.

5. Allergies and Asthma

Cockroach allergens can cause:

• Skin rashes
• Sneezing and coughing
• Ear, nose, and throat infections
• Cockroach asthma, especially in children

Those with respiratory conditions must avoid exposure to airborne allergens, such as roach body proteins and shed skin fragments.

6. Enterococcus Infections

This bacterium—carried by cockroaches—can cause urinary tract infections and other complications, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Cockroaches in Canada: What’s Common?

You might be surprised to learn how widespread cockroaches are in Canada. Common types found include:

• German cockroach (common in kitchens)
• Brown banded cockroach
• Oriental cockroaches
• Wood roaches
• French roach (less common but spotted in some areas)
• Black cockroach

If you’re in Regina, Saskatchewan, or Ontario, you’ve likely seen baby cockroaches crawling around—tiny but just as dangerous.

Wondering, “Does Canada have cockroaches?” Absolutely—and their numbers are rising, especially in urban areas.

What Do Cockroaches Look Like?

Search terms like pics of roaches, roach images, and photos of roaches often reveal:

• Flat, oval bodies
• Long antennae
• Wings (Yes, some roaches can fly!)
• Brown, black, or light-colored bands (as seen in brown banded varieties)

Why You Should Act Fast

Cockroach infestations don’t just ruin food—they affect your mental peace and home hygiene. From crawling in your pantry to triggering skin infections, they pose a constant risk.

If you’re seeing signs—droppings, egg cases, or that unsettling scuttle at night—it’s time to call a professional.

Contact ASA Pest Control for Cockroach Treatment

ASA pest control company is a trusted name in cockroach extermination in Saskatchewan and Regina. Our trained technicians deal with German cockroaches in Saskatchewan, brown banded infestations, and more—using eco-friendly and effective techniques.

1. Residential & Commercial Pest Control
2. Safe for Pets and Children
3. Customized Treatment Plans

Final Thoughts

Cockroaches are more than just pests. They’re disease vectors, allergen carriers, and mental stressors. Whether you’ve spotted a German cockroach in Ontario or want to know if roach bites are possible—awareness and action are key.

Protect your home. Eliminate cockroaches before they impact your family’s health.

Need fast, reliable cockroach treatment ? Call ASA Pest Control today.