Cockroaches have an economic impact primarily due to:

Cockroaches have a significant economic impact primarily due to their ability to contaminate food products. When cockroaches infest an area, particularly in homes, restaurants, and food storage facilities, they can easily access food supplies. This leads to serious contamination risks, as droppings, saliva, and shed skin can carry pathogens and disease-causing bacteria. This contamination poses health risks to consumers, often resulting in costly food recalls, wastage, and legal liabilities for businesses, ultimately affecting the bottom line.

In scenarios where cockroach infestations occur, food businesses may face not just immediate loss of products but also reputational damage, loss of customers, and potential closure of operations during pest control treatments. Understanding the role of cockroaches in food contamination is crucial for pest control professionals, as they must be prepared to implement effective strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard public health.