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 your food stores. 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 into 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 species 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 underwater 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. Though humans don't have to be worried about being bitten by a cockroach, the diseases they carry are still a concern. Eating food contaminated by these bugs or even touching contaminated surfaces can infect a human. Illnesses like E. Coli, Dysentery, Typhoid Fever or Salmonellosis are just a few that a cockroach can pass to a human.
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 during each phase.
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. Cockroaches favor humid temperatures, as they thrive in moist, warm environments like subtropical and tropical areas. In your home, this means rooms like the bathroom, kitchen and food preparation spaces are prime locations.
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 eliminate 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!
FAQs:
How to look for cockroaches?
To know if cockroaches have moved into your home, look for evidence like their droppings, which will appear like coffee grounds, especially near your food stores. You could also find their egg cases in places like your closet or underneath the furniture.
Where do cockroaches come from?
Cockroaches can get into your home in a number of ways. If your neighbors have cockroaches, they could wander over to your home easily. A package brought into your home from an infested home or business is also a possible way for a cockroach to sneak in. Cockroaches could also take a ride through pipes and get into your home that way.
How can you prevent cockroaches?
Besides sealing cracks and holes around any window or door, you should clean regularly, making sure to vacuum often. Check all of your pipes and faucets for leaks and drips and think about adding dehumidifiers to reduce moisture, which attracts cockroaches. You should also make sure all food is properly stored with lids.
How can you kill cockroaches in your home?
Putting diatomaceous earth around your yard close to your home will keep them away from your foundation and sprinkling somewhere you notice signs of them inside your home will kill them. You could make a mix of sugar and baking soda and sprinkle it where you think they are hiding.