Six disgusting facts about cockroaches
They love meats, sweets, starches and beer, but when pressed, they'll feed on book bindings, wallpaper, pet fur, dead skin, soap, garbage and feces. And they'll even munch on your toenails, eyelashes and eyebrows while you sleep. Eek!
That's right, there are eight insect parts — antennae and all — in the average chocolate bar. The same goes for peanut butter, cheese and popcorn. But don't worry. A little roach here and there never hurt anybody.
Yes, the terrifying rumor is true. Roaches can live over a week without their heads. Why? They have an open circulatory system and their vital organs are found in the thorax. But these headless buggers won't be able to drink, so they'll eventually die of thirst.
We've already established that roaches will eat anything, but if the going gets tough and food is scarce, they'll even eat each other. This cannibalistic quality reduces population sizes when an infestation becomes too large to feed itself.
Forget smoothies and kombucha, roach milk could soon be trending at a grocery store near you. Diploptera punctate, the only roach to give birth to live young, feeds its babies via milk-like protein crystals. And these tasty crystals are four times as nutritious as cow's milk. Yummy.
In some cultures, cockroaches were used in home remedies. The Greeks and Egyptians used ground or boiled cockroaches for medicinal purposes, and even some New Orleans cultures used boiled cockroach tea as a medicinal remedy. While this might not be something you'd like to see on your local coffee shop menu, it does highlight how long humans have been dealing with cockroaches.
With these insects dating back to the Carboniferous era, roaches have been around for a very long time, though they are perhaps now considered more a feared pest than an ingredient for tea.
If these facts creep you out as much as they do to us, you might feel the strong urge to squish them beneath your shoes the next time you see them. But Deepak Sharma from Indian Pest Control Company says otherwise.
'While stepping on a cockroach might offer immediate satisfaction, it's not the most effective or hygienic method for controlling these resilient pests,' he said, warning against stepping on cockroaches for the following reasons:
1. Disease transmission: Cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Crushing them can release these pathogens onto surfaces, increasing the risk of contamination.
2. Attracting other pests: The remains of a squashed cockroach can serve as a food source for different pests, such as ants, potentially leading to additional infestations.
3. Mess and odour: Crushing cockroaches can create an unpleasant mess and odour, necessitating thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene.
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Indian Express
20 hours ago
- Indian Express
Six disgusting facts about cockroaches
Cockroaches have been a part of the animal kingdom, even before dinosaurs roamed around earth. These tiny pests are not only a kitchen hygiene hazard, they have been terrorising people for as long as we can remember. Besides their unique capability to fly and painstakingly ancient history, here are some disgusting and creepy facts about roaches that are bound to make you go – what the hell? They love meats, sweets, starches and beer, but when pressed, they'll feed on book bindings, wallpaper, pet fur, dead skin, soap, garbage and feces. And they'll even munch on your toenails, eyelashes and eyebrows while you sleep. Eek! That's right, there are eight insect parts — antennae and all — in the average chocolate bar. The same goes for peanut butter, cheese and popcorn. But don't worry. A little roach here and there never hurt anybody. Yes, the terrifying rumor is true. Roaches can live over a week without their heads. Why? They have an open circulatory system and their vital organs are found in the thorax. But these headless buggers won't be able to drink, so they'll eventually die of thirst. We've already established that roaches will eat anything, but if the going gets tough and food is scarce, they'll even eat each other. This cannibalistic quality reduces population sizes when an infestation becomes too large to feed itself. Forget smoothies and kombucha, roach milk could soon be trending at a grocery store near you. Diploptera punctate, the only roach to give birth to live young, feeds its babies via milk-like protein crystals. And these tasty crystals are four times as nutritious as cow's milk. Yummy. In some cultures, cockroaches were used in home remedies. The Greeks and Egyptians used ground or boiled cockroaches for medicinal purposes, and even some New Orleans cultures used boiled cockroach tea as a medicinal remedy. While this might not be something you'd like to see on your local coffee shop menu, it does highlight how long humans have been dealing with cockroaches. With these insects dating back to the Carboniferous era, roaches have been around for a very long time, though they are perhaps now considered more a feared pest than an ingredient for tea. If these facts creep you out as much as they do to us, you might feel the strong urge to squish them beneath your shoes the next time you see them. But Deepak Sharma from Indian Pest Control Company says otherwise. 'While stepping on a cockroach might offer immediate satisfaction, it's not the most effective or hygienic method for controlling these resilient pests,' he said, warning against stepping on cockroaches for the following reasons: 1. Disease transmission: Cockroaches are known carriers of various pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Crushing them can release these pathogens onto surfaces, increasing the risk of contamination. 2. Attracting other pests: The remains of a squashed cockroach can serve as a food source for different pests, such as ants, potentially leading to additional infestations. 3. Mess and odour: Crushing cockroaches can create an unpleasant mess and odour, necessitating thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Why pigeon droppings need a public health response and better protection for sanitation staff
In Indian cities, pigeons are a familiar presence -- nesting in the ledges of apartment complexes, roosting above air conditioning units and flocking around public buildings. But while the birds themselves pose no direct harm, doctors are raising concerns over a less visible but significant health issue: the risks from inhaling particles from dried pigeon droppings. Medical experts caution that exposure to these droppings, especially in enclosed or unventilated areas, is linked to serious respiratory and fungal illnesses, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and sanitation workers. Crucially, they are calling for better municipal handling of the issue through a One Health approach as urged by the World Health Organization (WHO) that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental well-being. Respiratory damage, fungal and bacterial infections from chronic exposure 'Continuous exposure to pigeon droppings can result in a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a chronic inflammatory lung disease that may lead to permanent scarring,' explains Aishwarya Rajkumar, senior consultant, pulmonology, Rela Hospital, Chennai. She notes that this is especially dangerous for people with asthma, autoimmune conditions, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Symptoms may begin with a persistent dry cough, tightness in the chest, or breathlessness, which often worsens at night. 'Even a brief exposure, such as cleaning a pigeon-infested space can cause bronchitis-like symptoms, particularly in children with asthma,' she adds. In addition to lung damage, dried droppings may harbour infectious agents. Rajkumar K., senior consultant, pulmonology at MGM Malar, Chennai, warns of cryptococcal infections -- fungal infections that can affect the lungs or brain and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which can mimic symptoms of tuberculosis or asthma. 'These conditions can present with persistent cough, phlegm, fatigue, and desaturation. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with heart or respiratory conditions are particularly at risk,' he says. Adding to this, Surendran R., consultant, infectious diseases and hospital infection control, at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, says, 'Cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis are all illnesses linked to pigeon droppings. In some cases, bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli present in the droppings may cause gastrointestinal infections if contamination occurs.' Who is most at risk? A study published by the Indian Chest Society notes that bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is common, but confirming exposure remains challenging, highlighting the need for larger multicentre studies. While members of the general public may face a low risk in brief or outdoor contact, experts say the most vulnerable are those who clean affected areas without protection, often workers from marginalised or low-income communities. 'People cleaning attics, terraces, and neglected buildings without gloves or masks are at the highest risk,' says Ranganath R., senior consultant pulmonologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. 'The problem arises when dried droppings turn to dust and get inhaled. This can aggravate asthma or trigger fungal infections.' R. Nanda Kumar, senior consultant in general medicine at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, adds, 'Even able-bodied or healthy individuals exposed to large amounts of droppings in closed spaces may develop flu-like symptoms, breathlessness, or in rare cases, neurological signs if the infection spreads.' Call for better healthcare interventions and environmental-specific surveillance What needs urgent attention, experts say, is how cities manage shared spaces where human health intersects with animal activity. Experts highlights that the burden of prevention should not rest solely on individuals. Municipal corporations and resident welfare associations (RWAs) must ensure safer maintenance practices, especially in high-density urban environments. 'Providing protective gear like gloves and masks to cleaning staff must be a basic public health standard,' says Dr. Surendran. 'Cleaning should be done with wet methods to reduce airborne dust, not by sweeping or dry brushing.' Dr. Ranganath recommends installing physical deterrents like nets and conducting regular cleanups in places where pigeons frequently roost. 'We're not urging harm to animals, but only the maintenance of a hygienic environment for both people and birds,' he says. Persistent cough, chest discomfort, unexplained fatigue, wheezing, or fever should prompt medical attention, especially in people with long-term exposure to droppings. 'If a cough lasts more than two weeks and does not improve with standard treatment, we need to rule out infections or hypersensitivity reactions caused by bioaerosols,' says Dr. Rajkumar K. Dr. Nanda Kumar stresses that neurological symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, or visual changes must also be taken seriously in individuals with known exposure. Despite the health risks, India currently lacks formal guidelines or data systems to track illnesses caused by exposure to pigeon droppings. 'Most respiratory infections are tracked broadly, but we don't have environmental-specific surveillance,' says Dr. Nanda Kumar. 'Zoonotic infections from birds are not monitored at the level of tuberculosis or vector-borne diseases.' This, experts say, needs to change. 'Urban planning must account for animal-related health hazards. Public-private partnerships, routine monitoring and awareness drives in semi-urban and rural areas are essential,' says Dr. Rajkumar K.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
What causes food poisoning: Know its symptoms and treatment
Food poisoning is a widespread and preventable illness that affects millions of people. Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Poor food handling and preparation methods can increase the risk. Consuming contaminated food or drinks can lead to mild stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other complications. With the global food supply chain becoming increasingly complex, the risk of food poisoning is higher than ever. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial to preventing and managing food poisoning and reducing the risk of long-term health consequences. What is food poisoning? Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, occurs when we consume food or drinks that are contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. These pathogens can cause a range of symptoms, like mild stomach cramps, diarrhea, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions. Causes of food poisoning Food poisoning can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Bacterial contamination : Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can contaminate food and cause food poisoning. Viral contamination: Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus can also cause food poisoning. Parasitic contamination: Parasites such as Trichinella and Toxoplasma can contaminate food and cause food poisoning. Food handling and preparation: Poor food handling and preparation practices, such as not washing hands or utensils properly, can lead to food contamination. Food storage and refrigeration: Improper storage and refrigeration of food can allow bacteria to grow and cause food poisoning. Common symptoms of food poisoning The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of pathogen and the severity of the illness. Many people experience nausea and vomiting as a result of food poisoning. Diarrhea is a common symptom of food poisoning and can range from mild to severe. Abdominal cramps and pain are common symptoms of food poisoning. Some people may experience a fever as a result of food poisoning. Some people may experience headaches and fatigue as a result of food poisoning. Treatment of food poisoning According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment options include: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte-rich beverages, can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Getting plenty of rest can help the body recover from food poisoning. In some cases, medications such as anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. In severe cases, medical attention may be necessary to treat food poisoning. Food poisoning prevention To prevent food poisoning, be mindful of food handling, preparation, and storage. Here are some helpful tips for preventing food poisoning: Wash hands and utensils with soap and water properly, before and after handling food. Cook food to the recommended internal temperature to kill any bacteria and pathogens, and keep things clean. Store food in sealed containers and refrigerate perishable items as soon as you can. Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat ones to avoid cross-contamination. Also read | Is eating garlic on empty stomach safe for your health ? Know its benefits and side effects
