Cockroaches versus residents and restaurants

Over 10 services are provided in Windsor to address the millions of pests and rodents that roam around but very few specialize in cockroach removal.  At times, restaurant workers are asked to keep quiet about what goes on in the kitchen. 

Morgan William, 30, was an assistant chef at a local restaurant, which can not be named but was closed down due to out-of-control pests.

“It was good at first but over the five years I worked there things got problematic. After the previous supervisor left two years ago and the new one took his place is when things started to take a turn for the worse. He used a discount cockroach remover instead of getting professional help. It unfortunately had no effect. He also hid what was happening from the owners,” William said.

William attempted to bring it to his boss’ attention at least seven to eight times but says he continued to use the ineffective cockroach remover. William had also attempted to remove the cockroaches while his employer was out of town but by then the situation had become too severe and out of control for the restaurant and staff to handle.

“I had gotten my severance pay as well as a large amount of money when the owners finally found out and decided to close,” said William, who has found employment since the closing of the restaurant. 

Cockroaches tend to like warmer places exceeding 70 degrees and dark places. The diseases and infections that cockroaches carry into kitchens can have detrimental effects. “Cockroaches contain specific proteins or allergens that may cause allergies or can even trigger asthma symptoms,” says Jeff Flowers, author of  How Cockroaches Can Make You Sick (And What You Can Do About It).

“Salmonella Typhi is a condition  where bacteria that infect the intestinal tract and the blood. Typhoid, has been found in cockroaches. Poliomyelitis, which causes polio. Polio is a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death. Polio has  been found in these insects. They can also cause dysentery, a disease that causes severe diarrhea that may include bleeding.”

William wants to warn others to be aware.“…make sure to follow all health and safety rules and be observant of any violations your coworkers and/or boss are doing. These rules are in place for a reason and them not being followed puts you and others in danger.”