Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have discovered that 80% of kitchens in homes with sanitary problems contain traces of cockroach feces, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. This issue is not limited to homes but also affects food establishments. In a city where drainage systems and waste management continue to be a challenge, combating cockroaches becomes an important public health battle.
In 2023, several restaurants in Mexico City were closed by the Health Protection Agency due to cockroach infestations in their kitchens. These insects represent more than just a nuisance, as they can be carriers of up to 33 types of bacteria, including pathogens like salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli), resulting in food and surface contamination.
Facundo Flores, a pest control specialist, mentioned in an interview for La Suite de El Financiero that "the lack of proper control and inadequate management of urban waste have contributed to the increase of the cockroach population in various Mexican cities." In places like Mexico City and other urban areas with warm climates and high population density, the proliferation of cockroaches has intensified due to garbage accumulation and inefficient drainage systems.
Dr. Laura Ortiz, an environmental health specialist, emphasizes that the problem lies not only in the presence of these insects but also in the cross-contamination they can cause. To combat this pest, experts recommend taking measures such as sealing cracks, eliminating sources of moisture, and using baits and traps instead of aerosol insecticides, which can be toxic to humans. If you wish to contact experts in cockroach control, you can reach out through emails and specialized phone numbers.
