Cockroaches are considered to be one of the worst household pests because they contaminate food with their excrement, prduce allergens and secrete an unpleasant odor which can permeate the indoor environment.
Many people develop allergies to cockroaches.
Allergens present in roach feces can become airborne along with normal house dust. The allergens can then be inhaled from the air or ingested when in contact with food. Cockroaches prefer moist, warm, dark places typical of many homes. Roaches will eat almost anything they find, including pet food, crumbs, spoiled food, paints, wallpaper pastes, and book bindings. They can carry germs from the sink or bathroom onto dishes and other food surfaces, thus spreading bacteria that cause food poisoning.