Rumored to be able to withstand just about anything, Cockroaches are the bane of many homeowners. The trouble is, they’re not just a pesky nuisance. Their presence in your home can cause major health problems for you and your family. If you see a cockroach in middle of the day, you more than likely have a heavy cockroach infestation and need cockroach pest control now!
Cockroach Pest Identification
As cockroaches are nocturnal, sometimes your earliest sign of infestation is their feces. Cockroach feces look like coffee grounds or black pepper. They are found along the path that roaches frequent.
In general, cockroaches have a small head, two pronounced antennae, six legs, and an oval-shaped body. Ranging in color from shiny black to light tan, they tend to prefer protected, warm, moist spaces. They enjoy the space between wallpaper and wall, crevices and nooks in bathrooms, as well as behind your refrigerator.
Cockroaches live around a year, depending on how well their environment supports them. Females produce between 6 and 14 egg cases in a lifetime. Each egg case (oothcea) can contain anywhere from 15 to 40 viable eggs. Cockroach populations grow can grow rapidly or slowly based on how favorable the conditions of their environment is.
Cockroach Health Hazards
Cockroaches like to live near their food source. This means close proximity to your food. Through common food sources they can easily spread disease and bacteria to people. If they can get into our stored food, bacteria are introduced through their feces mixing with the food they eat and trek through.
Additionally, cockroaches carry disease-causing pathogens on the outside of their body. Their frequent contact with both human and animal excrement allows for the spread of Salmonella and Shigella (food poisoning) to our food prep surfaces, as well as the food itself.
Cockroaches also create allergens through their droppings, saliva, and shed skin, which some people are allergic to. These allergens can also cause asthma for sensitive groups.
Cockroach Pest Control
Identify Your Cockroach
The first step with cockroach pest control is to identify the type of cockroach. This aids in determining the method of pest control used to remove the pest. The most common types of cockroach in our area are:
- Oriental Cockroach: Black to dark brown in color, these cockroaches emit an unpleasant smell.
- German Cockroach: Light brown/tan colored with two distinct, black stripes behind their head.
- American Cockroach: Reddish brown color with a yellow figure 8 shape on the back of their head.
Of these, the German cockroaches can be the greatest problem as they primarily nest in indoor locations.
Manage Your Food
Keep food stored in pantries and cupboards stored in tight-sealing containers. Don’t leave loose food sitting around the house (this includes pet food). Clean up after food prep and eating. Sweep the floor, vacuum, and regularly wash your dishes
Plug Up and Seal External Entry Points
Look for openings and cracks around your home that can let pests in. For cockroaches, pay particular attention to the space between the wall and floor as they can flatten their bodies to fit through tight spaces. Use tightly woven, metal mesh for closing up large holes. Caulking works well for small gaps and cracks.
Keep it Clean
Having a sanitary home is your best prevention from any pest infestation, especially cockroaches. Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly. Don’t allow piles of stuff or garbage to accumulate throughout the house.
Get Professional Cockroach Pest Control
By hiring a pest control professional to handle your cockroach infestation, you can be assured that your safety will be first and foremost. At Pro Active Pest Control, we identify your type of cockroach problem, develop a plan for cockroach extermination, apply the chosen cockroach pest control method, and provide ongoing support to ensure that roaches don’t come back.
Pest problems are a year-round occurrence. Being proactive about your pest problems can improve your quality of life in a big way. Contact Pro Active Pest Control to take care of existing pests, establish an effective pest barrier around your home, and maintain it through regular treatments. We provide Roseville pest control, El Dorado Hills pest control, Lincoln pest control, Rancho Cordova pest control, as well as provide pest control throughout the Greater Sacramento area.
Contact Pro Active Pest Control for a free consultation and let us show you how we can help protect your home or business from winter pest problems.