It is hard to solve a problem if you do not understand what is going on. There is a good reason you bring your car to a mechanic when it is making a wheezing smacking sound. Our question for you today is, how much do you really know about the Oriental cockroaches. These pests are found all around Elk Grove and are known for invading homes and causing problems. Here is everything you need to know to help you better understand Oriental cockroaches and how to keep these pests out of your home.
What Are Oriental Cockroaches?
Just looking at their name, you might assume that the Oriental cockroach is from an Asian country. The truth is these pests are from Africa. When America was in her early stages of development, cockroaches of many kinds were brought over aboard ships from other countries, Africa being one of them. Given enough time, these pests spread from the east coast to the west and are, to date, one of the most invasive pests in the world.
Identify an Oriental roach by its shiny black oval-shaped body, six barbed legs, and the two long antennae that protrude from its head. Females are equipped with tiny, functionless, rudimentary wing pads, and have broader bodies than males. Males have a pair of wings that cover ¾ of their abdomens. Funnily enough, they do not use these wings to fly. Oriental cockroaches are also known to emit a foul, musty odor.
Are Oriental Cockroaches Dangerous?
All cockroaches are dangerous; Oriental roaches are not an exception. These pests pick up dangerous disease-causing organisms off the trash they crawl through, sewers they spend time around, and dead animals and decaying materials they feed on. As Oriental roaches crawl through homes, they spread their organisms off their bodies and through their fecal droppings. Some of the most common illnesses these pests include food poisoning, dysentery, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis.
On top of spreading sickness, Oriental cockroaches also contribute to asthma attacks and allergies with their shed skin and fecal matter. As infestations grow within homes, more harmful particulates are released into the air, causing breathing problems and respiratory difficulties.
What Attracts Oriental Roaches?
Oriental cockroaches love two things more than anything else, moisture and available food sources. If your home has leaks, water build-up, high humidity, and even a minor amount of clutter, these pests will want to come inside. To deter Oriental roaches away from your Elk Grove property, try these simple prevention tips:
- Address moisture issues around your home.
- Make sure your home’s exterior is properly sealed.
- Eliminate harborage opportunities by reducing clutter and removing debris around your property.
- Learn proper food storage.
- Keep your home and yard as clean as possible.
How Hard Are Oriental Cockroaches To Treat?
Just like other species of roach, the Oriental cockroach is extremely resistant to radiation, pressure, and many chemicals. It is believed by many that cockroaches will live long after human civilization has fallen. Fortunately, this day has not yet come. Unfortunately, cockroaches use their many strengths to avoid treatments and survive inside homes despite homeowner’s best efforts to remove them.
The best and only way to handle a cockroach problem is with professional assistance. At Pro Active Pest Control, we understand Oriental cockroaches and have the advanced solutions needed to get and keep these pests out of your Elk Grove home. We are always here and ready to find your answer to whatever pest problems you and your home are up against.
Give us a call or reach out through our website right now if you have any questions about pests around your home, or to schedule your home to be inspected or treated for Oriental roaches.