Let’s dispel one myth – finding the presence of cockroaches in your home does not mean your house is dirty. Cockroaches are common pests that can be found all over the world. Summer is cockroach season, so they will appear more frequently, and the warm weather encourages breeding. So, don’t feel dismayed if you are dealing with these pests. You are not alone. Learning a bit about them and how to deter them can help.
There are six species of cockroaches in California:
German cockroaches can breed at a rate of up to six generations, so they tend to hang around a while. German cockroaches can come from commercial suppliers, the grocery store, or even from your friends or neighbors.
Brown-banded cockroaches feed on trash, food, decaying matter, and may even eat wallpaper, or any organic matter.
Oriental cockroaches are like brown-banded cockroaches when it comes to eating habits. They will also eat almost anything. They can sometimes be found in sink drains, garbage disposals, or even under cabinets that contain plumbing, etc.
Smokybrown cockroaches are often found in tree bark, leaf piles and litter, woodpiles, or mulch. They can also be found in tree holes or canopies of palm trees. They are attracted to leaky roofs, wood piles, and even sewers. They can find a crevice to crawl through or even fly into your home because they have wings.
American cockroaches, both males and females, develop wings in adulthood and are capable of flying. They can carry up to 6 types of parasitic worms, 33 types of bacteria, and 7 other human pathogens. They are usually found in sewers and basements, particularly around pipes and drains, including laundry rooms and kitchens.
Turkestan cockroaches normally dwell outside. They breed quicker than other cockroach species. Like other types of cockroaches, they want to be close water sources. They can also spread different types of bacteria.
Tips to Seal Off Your Home from Cockroachs
Clean your counters and sweep your floors at night. It is also good to clean out the crumbs from your toaster.
Repair any leaky pipes in your home, as cockroaches will seek water and are attracted to moist places.
Do not leave wet bathmats or towels lying around.
Nests are often found behind refrigerators, in kitchen cabinets, or in other tight spaces.
Store food in sealed containers, including dog food, so you are not giving cockroaches easy access to a food source.
Limit where you eat. Taking food into bedrooms means an increased risk of spreading crumbs throughout the home.
Do not store old newspapers or cardboard in your home.
Recent studies show that cockroaches can aggravate allergies and asthma, especially in children. They also spread bacteria and disease. Putting out harmful powders to kill cockroaches can result in them tracking those chemicals across your food sources and counters. Unfortunately, DIY treatments for cockroaches are ineffective. Give us a call. Our professional pest control technicians are experienced at safely treating your home or business.
