They excrete a significant amount of endotoxins with their feces.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University established that there is a direct correlation between the number of cockroaches in a dwelling and the levels of allergens and endotoxins present. Reducing the cockroach population through pest control measures leads to a significant decrease in the levels of these substances. The findings suggest that eliminating cockroaches can substantially improve air quality and the overall condition of indoor environments by reducing the concentration of allergens and endotoxins.
Endotoxins are components of bacterial cells that are released upon their destruction. Since cockroaches are omnivorous insects, their intestines contain a wide range of microorganisms. It has previously been shown that cockroaches excrete a significant amount of endotoxins with their feces, although humans and pets can also be sources of these substances.
In this study, the researchers found that high levels of endotoxins in household dust are primarily associated with the presence of cockroach feces. The research conducted in apartment buildings in Raleigh, North Carolina, compared the estimated number of cockroaches and the concentration of allergens and endotoxins in infested units. Baseline measurements were determined based on the analysis of settled and airborne dust.
The scientists discovered that in infested homes, the level of endotoxins was significantly higher, with female cockroaches producing about twice as much of these substances as males. Subsequently, the infested apartments were divided into two groups: one group received no treatment, while the other underwent disinfestation. Additionally, the researchers included a control group of homes that were free of cockroaches. After three and six months, the scientists again counted the number of insects and collected dust samples from surfaces and the air.
The results showed that in untreated homes, the levels of both allergens and endotoxins remained consistently high throughout the observation period. Meanwhile, in homes where disinfestation was conducted, cockroaches and their allergens completely disappeared, and the level of endotoxins significantly decreased.
