Cockroaches are, unfortunately, common household pests. They aren’t a pest you want hanging around your home, but what can you do about them? Your best option is to call Terra Pest Management Specialists. Our Collegeville pest control is top-of-the-line and will get your home roach-free in no time.
How To Tell If You Have A Cockroach Problem In Your House
Cockroach infestations can be hard to identify. But you can begin treatment early by knowing the signs of cockroaches in your home.
Seeing a cockroach is a definite sign of an infestation. Three types of cockroaches invade Collegeville homes.
American cockroaches are between one and two inches long. They’re usually reddish brown with a yellow marking on their heads. They can fly but typically prefer to run. American roaches prefer warm, humid environments and are often found near sewers and drains.
German cockroaches are about half an inch long and light brown. Like American roaches, German cockroaches can fly but rarely do.
Oriental cockroaches are shiny black and usually about an inch long. These roaches are sometimes called “waterbugs” because they prefer to live near water. These roaches are especially a concern if you have standing water in or around your home.
Besides seeing a cockroach, there are a few other signs to look out for. Egg cases can hold a few dozen eggs and sometimes stick to surfaces near food. They can be light or dark brown and tiny. You might also see shed skins left behind by cockroaches. Occasionally you may notice a musty smell caused by cockroach infestations.
Why It’s Dangerous To Have Roaches In Your Home
All species of cockroaches are known to spread diseases to humans. Their legs have little spines on them that pick up bacteria, viruses, and parasites, then carry them wherever they walk. This can cause food poisoning, salmonellosis, E. coli bacteria, cholera, typhoid fever, and many other diseases. Keeping your home sanitary is essential, especially if you suspect a cockroach infestation.
Cockroaches can also cause asthma and allergy flare-ups, especially in children. Their saliva and waste cause this.
Why Do-It-Yourself Cockroach Control Often Fails
Cockroaches have a reputation for being hard to kill. They have tough exoskeletons that can withstand a lot of force, which means squishing isn’t the best way to try and kill a cockroach. They’re also able to last a while without food or water.
Cockroaches also have a short lifecycle, which means they can reproduce quickly. Populations grow exponentially, and infestations get out of control.
Because roaches are so hard to kill, you must take steps to prevent infestations from starting in your home.
- Store food in airtight containers
One of the biggest reasons cockroach infestations happen is because the bugs are looking for food. By keeping your food put away in sealed, solid containers, you keep it away from cockroaches. They won’t be able to smell the food, and they won’t be able to access it.
- Avoid excess moisture in your home
Cockroaches prefer humid environments. If you have areas of your home—such as a basement or bathrooms—where moisture builds up, that can invite cockroaches. Additionally, anywhere with standing water can attract oriental cockroaches. This may take a little extra work around the home, but it’s incredibly beneficial. Installing fans, repairing leaky pipes, or getting a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture in your home, making your house less hospitable for cockroaches.
- Seal entry points
Even the most enormous roaches are pretty small. They’re also flat, which means they can fit into tight spaces. This is especially important when it comes to the ways roaches get into your home. If you have gaps under doors or cracks in the walls, cockroaches can find their way inside. Take some time to seal, repair, or cover any potential entrance points into your home.
When taking care of a cockroach infestation, your best option is to call a professional pest control company.
Call The Pest Experts For Total Cockroach Elimination
Terra Pest Management Specialists have the best methods for keeping cockroaches away. After an inspection, we treat your home. We offer recurring services to make sure the infestation is completely gone. And if the cockroaches ever come back, we will too. Contact Terra Pest Management Services today for cockroach control in Collegeville.
Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.