What would your first reaction be if you came face to face with a cockroach? Would you try to squish it with your foot? Would you scream and jump high into the air? Maybe you’re the type of person to trap it and release it outside. Regardless of how you decide to react to cockroaches in your home, one thing will always be certain, they will always be unwelcome guests. Today we will be giving you some insight into why cockroaches invade, and present you with some tools you can use to keep them off your property.
Common Cockroaches Around Modesto
There are many different species of cockroach here in California but only 4 that you have to worry about getting into your home.
The Oriental Cockroach: Identifiable by its large and shiny black body, the oriental cockroach can be found inside homes around cool, dark, and moist areas.
The Brown Banded Cockroach: Known for the distinct brown bands running parallel behind the back of their head and fully developed wings, the brown-banded cockroach can be found in almost any area around the home but prefer to stay in cramped tight spaces.
The German Cockroach: Very similar to the brown-banded cockroach, German cockroaches are a little smaller and lighter in color. By far the most common cockroach in America, German cockroaches can be found around damp and tight spaces around the home.
The American Cockroach: Over twice the size of both German and brown-banded cockroach, the American cockroach can be identified by its reddish-brown body and two brown spots behind its head.
How To Identify A Cockroach Infestation
Besides actually seeing live cockroaches around your home, here are some signs you can look for to identify a cockroach infestation.
An unusual smell in the air: Most homeowners describe the smell of cockroaches as being musty, oily, and pungent.
Tiny black dots (cockroach droppings): These can be found beneath appliances, around areas where food is being stored, and near garbage.
Smears marks: These brown, irregular marks can most commonly be found in the junctions where floors and ceilings meet walls.
Shed Skin: When going through their stages of development cockroaches will shed multiple times. This shed skin can be found around homes, usually near where cockroaches are congregating.
When looking for cockroaches and the signs they leave behind, do not neglect to check beneath appliances, in the backs of closets, and around storage areas.
Quick Prevention Tips For Cockroaches
If you are looking for a few quick ways you can make your home less attractive to cockroaches, here are some things you can try.
Address moisture issues around your home by fixing broken gutters, repairing leaky pipes, and using a dehumidifier where needed.
Fill in gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior using a caulking gun.
Repair damage to your home’s exterior that could allow cockroaches a way inside.
Install door sweeps under all exterior exits.
Make sure your window screens are rip and tear-free.
Use sealable containers to store leftovers when you are done with a meal.
Clean your home regularly and do not neglect to get beneath furniture and large appliances.
Before going to bed pick up and clean out pet food and water bowls.
The True Secret To Cockroach Control
At the end of the day, DIY cockroach control is not your best bet to get and keep cockroaches out of your home. The trick to quality cockroach control is to let the experts here at Insect IQ, Inc, help. Our team is trained and equipped to deal with pest problems of any type, size, or severity. Whatever services your home needs, we have the right answer for you.
Give us a call today to schedule a service visit for your Modesto home.