Cockroaches
Having cockroaches in your home usually sets off a round of panic. Cockroaches are considered among the most disgusting insects because they carry disease while also contaminating food. Even if you don't come into direct contact with these insects, they may affect your health, as breathing waste from cockroaches can cause serious allergic or asthmatic reactions. Learn why cockroaches want to come in your house and how to get rid of them with advice from the pros at MosquitoNix® and our Pest Library.
Description
Cockroaches belong to the order Blattaria and have been around for millions of years. There are over 4,000 species of cockroaches all over the world, the most common being the German, the American and the brown-banded cockroach. They vary in size from half an inch to about two inches long, though a six-inch species lives in South America. These nocturnal creatures generally have flat, oblong bodies, hard wings and predominant legs. Their color varies from reddish-brown to dark brown to black, and only a few species fly. These pests are particularly virulent and resourceful; they can live for a week without a head, survive submerged under water for more than half an hour and withstand temps as low as 32°F. An infestation emits an offensive odor, and they spread disease by depositing microorganisms from waste onto food, dishes and other items in a home.
Breeding Habits
Female cockroaches lay anywhere from 16 to 48 eggs at a time inside a bean-shaped leathery case. Depending on the species, a female cockroach may create up to 90 egg cases in her lifespan, which is generally six to 15 months. Hatchling cockroaches are called nymphs, and they morph into adults by shedding their skin multiple times, getting larger each time.
Geography
Cockroaches can be found almost anywhere there are people, but they especially like warm, damp and dark areas. Sewers, garbage receptacles and food storage areas are common habitats.
Solutions for Eliminating Cockroaches
These insects are nearly flat, allowing them to enter the home through small cracks in door and window frames, as well as spaces around vents and pipes. Although you can use caulk to eliminate these means of entry, once cockroaches have created a space in your home, they're difficult to eliminate. Because they are nocturnal, you may not even realize they are in your home until they have developed a large colony. It takes special equipment and pesticides to ensure that the cockroaches you can see are killed, as well as to kill those hiding in dark spaces that you don't see.
Even though you may be disgusted by the presence of cockroaches, do not panic if you see them in your home. We at MosquitoNix know exactly how to eliminate cockroaches, especially those you cannot see. The professionals at MosquitoNix will inspect your home and provide a free estimate for treating the cockroach problem you may have. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team to learn more about your options!
Resources:
https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/fascinating-cockroach-facts/
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/415/2014/12/PNW186_Cockroaches.pdf