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While cockroaches can contaminate appliances and their contents, they won't cause damage. Cockroaches can spread bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, making it important to keep them out of places where food is stored, such as a refrigerator. When it comes to electronics, however, cockroaches could potentially damage internal electrical components. As the pests navigate inside a TV or console, they may touch high-voltage components that could short out your product. This damage could lead to costly repairs or require replacements.

Roaches won’t sting your pets and don’t have venom like spiders do , but they present other dangers. Cockroaches are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and parasites like tapeworms. Because they’re so dirty, their bites (otherwise harmless) can also get infected. You don’t want your pets chasing and trying to eat cockroaches, or sleeping near a roach infestation. 

Fleas are master hiders, so they’re always looking for safe spots. In addition to living directly on your pets, they’re likely to hide in bedding materials, not unlike the infamous bed bugs. They also like carpet and thick grass, for similar reasons. They’re more likely to hang around dirt and debris in general, which is why it’s important to keep the home clean. 

Aside from incorporating smells that roaches hate in your bedroom, such as citronella, lemongrass, or clove oil, there are a few ways you can keep roaches away at night. First, try moving your bed away from the wall, as roaches will often climb the walls and onto your bed. If you’re still having trouble, you can also purchase a mosquito tent for your bed, or hang netting from the ceiling to surround your sleeping area. Make sure it isn’t touching the ground, though, as they may attempt to climb it.