What You Need to Know About Cockroaches
Have you ever been cooking dinner, minding your own business, only to see a little brown or black cockroach scuttle across the floor? It’s enough to make anyone’s skin crawl! Even though they rarely bite and don’t sting, roaches are disgusting. Today, we will talk more about these pests and what you can do if you find them in your house.
What are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are in the same family as termites, which makes them like distant cousins. They typically have flat, oval-shaped bodies and can be super tiny or up to 6 inches long, depending on the species. Roaches are highly adaptable and can be found everywhere, from the forest to the big city. They’re nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They will eat almost anything, which is another reason they are so hard to get rid of. The most common species found in the US are German, Brown-banded, American, Oriental, and Asian.
Cockroaches are known for being hard to get rid of. They’re the ultimate survivors of the insect world – they can live without their heads for a week! Cockroaches also have a surprisingly high tolerance for radiation, surviving exposure to 10,000 rad, which is ten times the lethal dose for humans. While other insects like flour beetles might have even higher radiation tolerance, cockroaches would still outlive humans in a radioactive fallout.
What Should You Do If You See Cockroaches?
First things first, don’t panic! It can be really hard not to go crazy and try to smash it with your broom or scream for your spouse. If you see a cockroach in your home, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. If you can tell where it came from, it’s easier to target the nest.
You really don’t want to squish cockroaches for a few reasons. First, you don’t want to spread cockroach eggs. German cockroaches carry their eggs on their body until they hatch. If you squash a female carrying eggs, you could spread the eggs all over your home, and nobody has time for that mess!
Cockroaches can cause allergies; squashing them releases allergens into the air. They also smell pretty badly when squished, which isn’t fun either. The leftover remains of cockroaches can attract other insects looking for a meal, which could create an additional infestation.
If you see a cockroach in your home, there are probably many more hiding where you can’t see them. That’s why the best approach to a cockroach problem is to call Fox Pest Control. We understand their habits, how to find where they’re coming in from, and how to take care of them. When you sign up for our Home Protection Plan, we treat your home four times a year, and each treatment builds up a barrier from pests entering your home. If you see pest activity between your regularly scheduled services, call us. We’ll come out for free and treat your home right away.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches are not dangerous; they aren’t venomous and rarely bite, but they can pose potential dangers to human health. They spread bacteria, parasites, and allergens through their saliva, droppings, and shed body parts. Exposure to these contaminants can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and disease transmission.
Additionally, cockroaches can contaminate food and food preparation surfaces, compromising hygiene and sanitation in your home.
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly, so a few in your home can quickly become an infestation out of control. If you’re worried about a cockroach infestation, take action now. Call Fox Pest Control today for a free inspection and a personalized pest treatment.
Why Do I Have Cockroaches in My Home?
Cockroaches are incredibly adaptable and can survive in various environments, but certain things attract cockroaches to your home. A few reasons are:
- Food Sources: Cockroaches are scavengers who eat almost anything, including crumbs, pet food, and garbage.
- Water Sources: Leaky pipes, standing water, and damp areas are magnets for roaches, as they need moisture to survive.
- Hiding Places: Clutter, such as piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes, clothes on the floor, and other debris, provide perfect hiding spots for cockroaches.
- Warmth and Shelter: Your home offers warmth from the cold in the winter and shelter from the elements outside. Roaches look for safety in cracks, crevices, and dark spaces.
How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?
There are a few things you can do to protect your home from getting cockroaches in the first place and a few ways to take care of them once they’ve moved in.
First, if you’re moving, make sure that the boxes and packing materials are pest-free. Watch closely for cockroaches and their egg capsules.
Next, get rid of clutter. Boxes, newspapers, and garbage are great hiding places for roaches. Get rid of clutter by taking inventory regularly – if you’re not going to use it or not for a while, get rid of it or store it properly.
Keep your home clean. Store food in closed containers or in the fridge. Vacuum regularly and make sure to clean all cracks and crevices to remove food and debris. Take out garbage daily and keep garbage cans clean.
Finally, when you’ve done all that you can to make your home uninviting, call the experts at Fox Pest Control. Cockroaches are unwelcome guests in any home, but knowing what attracts them and how to deal with them can help you feel safe and comfortable in your home.
Fox Pest Control
no bugs. simply better.
