Roaches are one of the most dreaded pests out there. They are nasty, germ-spreading creatures that come into your home and refuse to leave. They are typically associated with filth and clutter, and can spread quickly throughout an apartment building or office building no matter how diligent you are in taking preventative measures. If you’ve spotted a roach in your home recently, or are simply hoping to keep them out, there are several things you should know. Below you will find everything you need to know about cockroaches, but don’t want to.
There are many different species of roaches. Some are considered pests that invade homes and other buildings and spread disease, while others are beneficial to the environment. Roaches can vary in size, with some species reaching two inches in length. They have six legs and two antennae, and some have wings, although they are not typically great at flying. They often let off a foul odor, and some species produce sound.
If you are trying to keep roaches out of your home, be aware that there are a number of ways they may find their way inside. They may come in through cracks and crevices in the structure of your home, they may come in through vents or drainpipes, and they may even come in with your groceries, in your purse, or in the boxes that contain new items.
Roaches are searching for food, water, and shelter, and your home is a great place to find all three. This is why it’s important to make your home as unappealing as possible. Keep your kitchen as clean as you possibly can – never leave food out on cabinets, dirty dishes in the sink, or crumbs and spills on cabinets or floors. Fix any leaks in your home that you find. Keep clutter to a minimum. Piles of books or stacks of paper provide a great hiding spot for roaches and bugs of all kinds.
Where there is one roach, there are likely many, many more. Roaches multiply quickly. If you spot one or two roaming around your house, you likely already have a full-blown infestation on your hands. It’s important to immediately begin taking preventative measures and trying to kill off those that are in your home. You can set out traps or bait, or spray chemical pesticides that are specific to roaches. But oftentimes, a roach infestation will require professional help to completely get rid of the issue.
Also, roaches are nocturnal creatures. You will typically only spot them at night or in very dark rooms. If you happen to see them during the day, you probably have a severe infestation on your hands. They may simply have been forced out into the open because of overcrowding. Try sneaking into the room where you suspect an infestation may be hiding at night, then flipping the lights on. If you see them go scattering, your suspicions will be confirmed.
Roaches are also dirty creatures that can cause allergies and spread illnesses. Children and those who are sensitive to allergens may experience mild allergic reactions or even show asthmatic symptoms when exposed to the dead bodies, discarded skins, and droppings of roaches. Roaches have also been known to spread E. coli, salmonella, parasitic worms, and many other types of bacteria.
Finally, it’s important to note that roaches and their eggs are incredibly resistant to many methods of pest control. While bait and some chemicals may be able to control a small intrusion, if you’re dealing with a large infestation, these things likely won’t make a dent. Only professional pest control technicians will be able to quickly and efficiently rid your home of its cockroach visitors. If you’ve spotted even one roach, it’s in your best interest to reach out to your pest control company as soon as possible.
