Massive Cockroach Invasion: Trick-Or-Treating Called Off In Michigan

Funny, strange, or unfortunate, this year’s Halloween didn’t go well for the residents of Wyandotte, Michigan, as cockroaches invaded the area canceling the famous trick-or-treating tradition. City officials decided to stop trick-or-treating in the vicinity of 20th Street due to the infestation, shutting the area’s pathways on Monday.

Cockroaches might spread across the neighborhood if people walk on their eggs, the worried officials conveyed.

“The City has determined it to be in the best interest of the citizens to close 20th Street, and the sidewalks, from Eureka to Grove on Monday, October 31, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm,” the statement said. “Barricades and signage will be placed on the street and sidewalks at Grove, the intersections of Orchard and Pine, and at Eureka, closing the street and sidewalk to vehicles and pedestrians. It is recommended that Trick-or-Treating be discouraged in this area.”

“There have been no reports of any roach infestation occurring outside of the immediate area,” it further read, adding that the treat-or-treating will “go as planned throughout the rest of the city from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.”

Authorities Cancel Trick-Or-Treating In A Michigan Area Due To A Severe Cockroach Infestation

Sharing the police’s concern, Todd Hanna of the City Council also emphasized that even while stepping on the cockroaches could help them die, their eggs might still survive and spread.

“Remember when the kids were little, and they drag their costumes, and they’re dragging their bags, well from my understanding, you can step on roach eggs, and you can take them home, you can spread them. I would not want them to be taken home to mom and dad’s house,” the City Council member added.

After Hanna’s comment came the Mayor’s statement. Calling it “unfortunate”, Robert A. DeSana went on to add: “all residents of Wyandotte can be reassured that the city is taking every measure legally possible to eliminate the source of this infestation including spraying of insecticide along sidewalks, the lawn area between the sidewalk and street, and along the curb line in certain areas of the street in the affected area.”

In another similar statement, Todd Hanna expressed to the Detroit Free Press that the roach problem is “of no fault of the city” and that it started when a roach-infested home’s trash was dumped into the city’s garbage truck.

He said that the disputed home had subsequently been abandoned.

Cockroaches As Pets In Michigan

Well, after the incident gained traction, certain reports have been surfacing on the internet revealing America’s and specifically Michigan’s love for cockroaches as pets. Yes, we surely are mentioning the case of homely pets; like a cat, dog, or parakeet.

According to the Michigan State University Extension office, cockroaches are one of the most often reported residential pests. In the US, there are around 60 different species of the nearly 4,000 cockroaches that exist globally. The MSU Extension program added that once inside your home, the insects offer health dangers, including the potential for disease transmission.

In his letter, Wyandotte Building Authority commissioner Gregory Mayhew stated that the city’s engineering division had discovered a roach infestation at a property “in your neighborhood” and that the pests were spreading to other residences. “It will take some time”, according to Mayhew, even though the city is working to eradicate the roaches.

The Trouble With Cockroaches

Cockroaches have historically been eradicated due to their unpleasant smell, ability to transmit disease, and ability to cause gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.

Studies demonstrate that those who are sensitive to the cockroach antigen get asthma episodes when exposed to cockroach waste, including old shells, saliva, body parts, and droppings (proteins found in the debris).

Children may experience severe and frequent asthma attacks in houses with several allergens, such as dust mites, mould, fuzzy pets, tobacco smoke, and certain chemicals. These allergens have high airborne concentrations, which can cause asthma attacks in children.