Please note: This is why you shouldn't step on cockroaches.

Many people around the world suffer from phobias, which are intense, irrational, and persistent fears of a specific object, situation, or living being . Unlike common fears, which have a real or logical basis, phobias trigger a disproportionate alarm response in the body to different types of stimuli that, under normal conditions, would not pose a threat.

Thus, it's common to hear that some people are afraid of heights, being locked in, snakes, spiders, mice, or cockroaches. See more: Another Colombian pizzeria recognized among the best in the world: which one is it?

In the latter case, the phobia of cockroaches is called katsaridaphobia and is one of the most common specific phobias . This fear goes beyond simple disgust, as some people cannot even look at a picture of a cockroach without experiencing extreme anxiety.

Their origin is often linked to the visceral aversion these insects provoke due to their appearance, unpredictable speed, and associations with dirt or disease. Furthermore, in many cultures, cockroaches are perceived as symbols of contamination or invasion , which emotionally reinforces the aversion toward them.

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Therefore, it's common to try to exterminate them from the home, or a specific place where they are known to live. Thus, it's common to try to squash a cockroach with your shoe when you see it, but this would be an improper practice.

But why shouldn't you squash a cockroach with your shoe? According to the website Exélsior, stepping on these insects can release hundreds of their eggs, which could cause not only a possible infestation but also some diseases.

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This is because this insect is usually a carrier of bacteria such as salmonella and streptococcus, and when released into the air , they could cause diseases that affect the respiratory or gastrointestinal system.

Furthermore, these animals can withstand up to 900 times their own weight, so crushing them doesn't guarantee they're dead. So if you step on a cockroach, it's recommended to wash your shoe with hot water and soap, and then add bleach or alcohol to eliminate any eggs.

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