Cockroaches abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What are cockroaches?

• Cockroaches are sturdy insects with particularly striking antennae and can be found worldwide, especially in wooded areas where they live among rotting leaves and in tree cavities, for example.
• Cockroaches have wings, but only a few cockroaches can fly, and even those species do not do so very elegantly. So if they fly straight at you, it is more a matter of inability than unwillingness to move away.

Where do you encounter cockroaches abroad?

• The largest of the more than 4,000 species of cockroaches can be found in tropical countries.
• Most cockroaches do not look very appetizing, but there are a few species that could surprise you with their beauty. Such as the iridescent Asian emerald cockroach or the pale green Cuban cockroach.
• Only a limited number of cockroach species regularly come near humans and human food, but often in quite large numbers if you are unlucky or simply careless with food.
• Cockroaches are found in large numbers in most hotels and hostels in many countries.

How dangerous are cockroaches?

• Cockroaches are not dangerous, they do not bite or sting; it is mostly their unattractive looks and fast movements that strike fear in people.
• When there's a large number of cockroaches, a place can start to smell quite bad.
• Just like most insects, cockroaches can spread diseases. A cockroach won't wash its hands after crawling through the trash and before touching your food, this can lead to food poisoning, a good reason to not leave any food out. Cockroaches can carry and transfer bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
• Cockroach droppings contain allergens and can lead to respiratory issues for those that have asthma or allergies.
• Cockroaches can be eaten as a source of protein, and in some places they're experimenting with cockroach farms; if you come across them, you should definitely give them a try. You want to make sure they had a clean diet. If you are allergic to shellfish, you shouldn't eat insects, as they have similar allergens.

What should you do if you encounter cockroaches?

• In some countries, cockroaches as small as 5 cm fly through your room, and they do not always respect your personal space. Although they are not dangerous, they still give you the creeps. An extra reason to comfortably sleep under a mosquito net. Insect sprays and DEET can also help (temporarily).