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Are Cockroaches Dirty?

Cockroaches ARE dirty.

If by definition you consider disease, bacteria, and virus transmission dirty, then yes, cockroaches are filthy.

Because cockroaches travel indifferently between waste and food, they pick up organisms on their legs and bodies spreading them wherever they populate. Cockroaches are linked with the spread of food poisoning such as Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. They may also spread the hepatitis virus, coliform bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. They have also been linked to the spread of typhoid and dysentery.

Not Only Dirty-They May Trigger Asthma

The argument that cockroaches are dirty takes a step further when considering asthma patients.  Proteins present in cockroach droppings and saliva can actually trigger asthma in sensitive individuals.  First reported in the 1940's, cockroach allergies are known to develop into acute asthma attacks.  According to the Asthma and Allergy Institute Foundation of America, asthma that is reported in inner-city children is found to be directly related to contact with cockroach allergens.  In fact, between 23-60% of urban residents that have asthma are sensitive to cockroach allergens.