Domestic cockroaches are part of a group of insects that contaminate food , either by transmitting pathogenic microorganisms through their dejection, their saliva, by direct contact or with parts of their body in the contaminated food, according to Ing. Agr. M. Sc. PhD. M. Funes , from Chemotecnia Environmental Health Division.

Not only that but also, the specialist ensures that they produce odorous secretions that affect the taste of food and can produce allergic reactions in sensitive people .

"About 40 species of pathogenic bacteria present in cockroaches were isolated, including: Escherichia coil , Salmonella spp ., Shigella spp ., Staphylococcus spp . , And many other microorganisms. Cockroaches once fed can retain pathogens in their bodies, especially the digestive tract, for a period of 14 to 16 days and continue to excrete pathogens in their feces, "said the specialist.

In the world there are more than 4,600 species of cockroaches identified but only a group of 30 species are linked to human activities (Sinantropic) and only 3 species are those that stand out as domisanitary pests: the American cockroach ( Periplaneta Americana ), the cockroach German ( Latterly germanica ) and the eastern cockroach ( Blatta orientalis ) being Latterly the most frequent to find.

The German cockroach is the plague with the greatest economic impact. The expert commented that they usually frequent places such as kitchens and cupboards in homes, in restaurants, hospitals, clubs, schools, supermarkets, bakeries, etc.

"They are the smallest of the three species. Adults measure approximately 1.5 cm, have a high reproductive capacity and generally do not fly," Funes said.

The female of this cockroach carries the ooteca (structure that contains eggs) until a short time before hatching of nymphs (juvenile forms of cockroaches). During this period it presents little activity, generally remaining hidden . The nymphs can open the ootheca even when it is attached to the female or, just deposited in a protected place where newborn cockroaches get food and protection easily.

In this line, he indicated that adult states are able to live for more than a year but usually die earlier due to different causes.

"A very important fact is that if a large number of German cockroaches are displayed during the day or in places where they normally do not appear, for example dormitories, this means that the food and shelter sites are full or that food and moisture it is not favorable, so it is necessary to feed during the day since they usually have nocturnal habits, "said the engineer.

Finally, the specialist provided points to take into account when preventing. "In the management of this pest should be oriented to the location of the places where cockroaches are lived, as well as try to understand how cockroaches were transported to those sites; where they take refuge and that they are feeding as to eliminate by cleaning and ordinances, those three key factors for their proliferation: water, shelter and food. "