Nov 9, 2021 | Pest Control
German roaches are one of the most common household pests and also one of the most difficult to get rid of. It is important to understand how to identify these cockroaches live and what they are attracted to in order to understand how to get rid of them.
These roaches are light brown to tan in color with 2 black horizontal stripes behind their heads. They are smaller in size (adults usually grow to about 1/2″ in length) and although they have wings, they rarely fly and prefer to run instead. They are most often found indoors, preferring warm humid environments like the ones found in your kitchen or bathroom. They will eat almost anything but prefer crumbs, spills, pet food, book bindings, soap, and toothpaste. German cockroaches are often brought into your home on dry goods, such as bags, boxes, cardboard, used appliances, and furniture.
German roaches are dangerous to humans because they can spread bacteria and contaminate surfaces with salmonella and E. coli. Their feces, cast skins, and saliva can cause allergic reactions which can subsequently trigger asthma.
Common signs of German cockroaches include droppings which are small and black and look like pepper, commonly found in drawers and cabinets and on the tops of doors; egg cases left behind by females; and a mild, musty odor that gets stronger as their populations grow.
These pests are nocturnal and usually only scavenge at night, making it difficult to know you have a cockroach infestation until it is already established. Once inside, German roaches can reproduce quickly, making them very difficult to eradicate. Each female is capable of producing 4 to 6 egg cases per life cycle and can live anywhere from 100 to 200 days.
Because they can be so hard to get rid of, the best way to eliminate German roaches is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some German roach prevention tips you can use in your home.
- Empty your trashcans often and keep them clean.
- Clean up crumbs from counters and floors daily, including spilled pet food.
- Sweep daily.
- Vacuum frequently.
- Make sure food is not left in sink strainers.
- Run the garbage disposal frequently.
- Keep food (including pet food) sealed in airtight containers.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Keep appliances clean of food and grease.
- Clean out clutter in your garage and attic, especially cardboard.
- Use plastic storage boxes rather than cardboard when possible.
- Seal entrances around utility pipes.
- Ventilate crawlspaces to prevent moisture.
- Store soap out of reach.
- Don’t leave pet food out in bowls overnight.
- Dry all sinks, tubs, and showers before bed each night.
- Use a dehumidifier in your home.
If you have a problem with roaches or any other pests, contact your local pest control company to properly identify the type of pest you are dealing with and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan going forward.
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Aug 5, 2021 | Pest Control
Cockroaches are household pests known for spreading bacteria and triggering allergies and asthma. These nocturnal pests come out at night to feed and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Roaches are attracted to moisture and are most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and drains. Because they are nocturnal, you may not notice you have a roach problem until a full blown cockroach infestation has set in. Spotting the signs of cockroaches can help you head off an infestation before it gets out of hand. Here are 7 signs you may have cockroaches.
Roaches Next Door
If your neighbors mention having a roach problem, especially if you live in an apartment, condo, or townhouse, the odds are likely that they will make their way over to your home, as well. One way to help prevent this is by getting rid of what attracts roaches in your home. Don’t put open food containers in the trash; don’t leave crumbs on the floor; clean up messes as they happen; keep garbage cans sealed; and try not to store outdoor trash cans near your home.
Smear Marks
Roaches are attracted to moisture so they are often found in areas of high moisture in your home. In these areas, they will often produce dark, irregularly-shaped smear marks as they rest or crawl along walls. These smears are often seen on horizontal surfaces and where the wall and floor meet.
Droppings
Roaches leave droppings behind wherever they are. The size and shape of droppings vary between species. Some species leave behind a small brown stain. German cockroaches leave behind pepper-like specks that can also resemble coffee grounds. The larger American cockroach species leaves behind droppings closer to a grain of rice. The most common places to check for droppings are floor corners, cabinets, under the fridge, and under the stove. It is important to clean any droppings up when you find them as they are known to spread bacteria.
Egg Casings
Egg casings are long, hollow, light brown tubes that hold cockroach eggs, anywhere from 20 to 50 at a time. Although most species leave egg casings behind once the eggs are laid, some species actually carry them with them until their offspring hatch. Egg casings are usually found at the base of the refrigerator, in cabinets that store food, and near leaky pipes. If you find a casing that still has eggs in it, dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet.
Musky Odor
Roaches and their feces give off a musky, unpleasant odor. While one roach usually doesn’t emit a strong enough odor to be detected by humans, when larger numbers of roaches get together the smell gets stronger and more easily detected. While the smell is usually associated with live roaches, dead cockroaches can also emit the odor as part of the decomposition process.
Allergy Symptoms
The feces and exoskeleton of cockroaches contain proteins that can trigger allergies and asthma. If you don’t usually have allergies and have symptoms appear without a known trigger; or your current allergy and asthma symptoms seem to get worse without a known trigger this may indicate the presence of cockroaches in your home. Symptoms include stuffy nose, wheezing, red itching eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and the increased use of your inhaler.
Live Roaches
If you see one roach, the odds are likely that there are many others present. Roaches are nocturnal and usually spotted at night. If you are seeing roaches during the day, overcrowding from an infestation may be forcing them out in the open.
The best way to avoid a roach infestation is to prevent them in the first place. Prevent cockroaches by:
- Thoroughly cleaning your home each week.
- Storing all food in tightly sealed containers.
- Cleaning up yard debris such as leaves or fallen tree limbs.
- Not letting shrubs, trees, or woodpiles touch your home.
- Remembering to clean under forgotten spaces such as under the fridge, stove, and inside cabinets.
If you have a problem with roaches or any other pest, contact your local pest control company for a free analysis and comprehensive treatment plan.
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Jun 4, 2020 | Pest Control
Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years – even longer than the dinosaurs! These pests are resilient and adaptive with odd behaviors and survival tactics which have helped them survive for so long. While most homeowners are aware of the health risks associated with roaches, including allergies, asthma, and the spread of germs and bacteria, there are lots of interesting facts about cockroaches you might not realize. Here are 7 things you might not know about cockroaches.
- They’re everywhere! There are almost 4500 species of cockroaches worldwide with new species still being discovered. German cockroaches are the most common species. The largest species is found in South America. This cockroach averages 6 inches in length with an impressive 1 foot wingspan! The average cockroach is only 1/2″ to 2″ in length.
- They like their beauty sleep. Roaches spend 75% of their time resting. They are also not morning people. When roaches awaken they are unable to form new memories. It takes them time to become functional and they don’t start to retain new information until later in the day.
- They are flexible. Roaches can squeeze through a gap as small as 1/4 of their body length. They accomplish this feat by flattening their bodies and turning their legs to the side.
- They are speed demons. Roaches are fast movers reaching speeds of up to 3 mph. Even babies can move at these rapid speeds. This not only allows them to quickly invade new spaces but also allows them to spread bacteria and germs at a much faster pace.
- They can go without food, water, and their heads. Roaches can go up to a month without food and up to a week without water or their heads. They could actually live longer without their heads but the absence of their mouth leaves them unable to eat or drink. Roaches will eat anything from dead insects to soap, cloth, and glue. They have even been known to eat other roaches when food supplies are low or the infestation gets so large in an effort to reduce the population.
- They can hold their breath. Roaches are master breath holders. They can submerge in water for up to 1/2 an hour and hold their breath for up to 40 minutes. This is mostly due to their efficient breathing system that allows them to breathe through holes in their body segments rather than their mouths. Holding their breath also helps regulate their loss of water.
- Roaches are found in chocolate. Yes, you read that right! There are an average of 8 insect parts in each bar of chocolate you consume.The FDA has deemed this a safe amount for consumption. The solution to this dilemma is to apply more pesticides which would be more harmful than actually consuming the insects. These parts can also trigger allergic reactions when they are consumed. That chocolate allergy might, in fact, be a cockroach allergy instead. This can lead to rash, itching, respiratory problems, and even migraines.
Cockroaches are one of the most highly adaptable pests on earth which makes them extremely difficult to control or eliminate. To prevent cockroaches keep food sealed and stored properly; clean your kitchen daily; don’t leave food or pet food out overnight; dispose of garbage regularly and use cans with sealing and locking lids; identify any small cracks or holes around your home and seal them; and make sure basements and crawlspaces are kept dry and well ventilated. If you suspect you have a cockroach infestation, contact a professional pest control company who can provide you with a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment and prevention plan.
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As Springtime approaches, allergies are bound to follow. Many tend to blame the plant pollens for their sneezing and watery eyes. Although pollen can trigger your allergy symptoms, there could be another reason why your allergies are flaring up this Spring: Cockroach allergies.
Signs and Symptoms of a Roach Allergy
Cockroaches might not be the first reason you think of when you start to get allergies, surprisingly though, they can be the cause of your allergies and asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology the saliva, feces, and shedding parts of cockroaches can trigger both asthma and allergies, acting like dust mites. The common symptoms of cockroach allergies can be coughing, sneezing, asthma attacks, nasal congestion, sinus and/or ear infection, itchy red or watery eyes, and skin rashes.
Preventing Roaches from Inside the Home:
In a survey conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), the allergists surveyed believed that a pest-free home is the most important factor in preventing asthma and allergy systems.
Knowing what attracts roaches can help you prevent a roach infestations. Here are some preventative tips to keep roaches out of your home:
- Cover all trash cans
- Store foods in airtight containers
- Sweep up or vacuum all food crumbs
- Seal cracks in walls and floors
- Keep your yard neat and tidy
- Call a pest control professional
Cockroaches can be one of the most difficult pests to eliminate. If you find yourself using the tips above but are still seeing roaches in your house, contact a pest control company. An exterminator will be able to identify where and how the roaches are entering your home and eliminate them to protect you and your family’s health.
Aug 4, 2017 | Pest Control
Roaches can vary significantly in size and color (some even fly!), so it can be difficult to know what kind of cockroach you’re dealing with. Identification is the first step in roach control since the type of roach will determine the best treatment methods. Here are the 2 most common cockroaches you’ll see in your home and tips for getting rid of and preventing them:
German Cockroaches
German roaches are one of the most common pest nuisances in residential structures, especially common in multi-unit apartment homes. They thrive in filth but even the cleanest homes can be at risk.
What do they look like?
- Brown with 2 longitudinal stripes running down the thorax
- 1/2 to 5/8 inches long
Where do they live?
- German cockroaches will live anywhere humans build heated structures
- Usually found in kitchens in secluded areas (behind and under appliances, in cracks and crevices behind backslashes, at counter edges, behind and under cabinets, in void areas around plumbing, backs of drawer wells)
- Will infest warm areas around appliance motors such as refrigerators and dishwashers
What are the risks?
- German cockroaches will invade your home and leave fecal matter and other debris in and around food and food preparation areas
- Can enter homes when boxes or products are shipped moved from one location to another
- Reproduces at a high rate, completing a life cycle in 30 to 45 days
- Produces 30-48 eggs at a time
- Difficult to get rid of once infested
How do you get rid of them?
- German roaches are most commonly treated inside a home with baits, sprays, or an aerosol product (baits preferred)
- Roaches disperse the bait back into their refuge sites when they ingest it
- Most have a secondary and even a tertiary killing effect, meaning roaches that die in the harborage site from a bait are cannibalized by their fellows, causing additional mortality
- Sprays are applied to surfaces that roaches crawl across or into harborage areas
- Often mixed with insect growth regulators (IGR) will reduce or eliminate egg production and cause mortality in immature forms of the German cockroach
- Aerosols are referred to as crach and crevice treatments; forces roaches out of their harborage sites with a product that excite their nervous system (flushing agent)
- Then sprayed directly with a contact product
- Residual aerosols may be applied into harborage areas and onto surfaces where roaches crawl in the same manner as sprays (commonly sold as over the counter remedies for homeowners, but typically has a short life span)
- Professional pest control is recommended
American Cockroaches (Palmetto Bugs)
American roaches, also known as palmetto bugs or waterbugs, are large, sometimes fly, and usually only come indoors in search of warmth, food or water.
What do they look like?
- Reddish brown in color and have a yellowish margin on their body
- 1.5 to 2 inches in length
- Largest cockroach in the U.S.
Where do they live?
- American cockroaches usually lives in dark, damp areas such as sewers, storm drains, steam tunnels, and outdoors in landscaping and tree holes
- Prefer warm, dark, humid environments in homes such as wall voids, crawl spaces, basements, utility rooms, or attics
- Typically feed on decaying organic matter and a variety of other foods
What are the risks?
- Not commonly seen in homes
- May move indoors during colder months seeking warmer temperatures and food through openings in the foundation
How do you get rid of them?
- Granular baits in attics and crawl spaces
- Dust in attic and crawl spaces
- Perimeter spray treatments
- Perimeter granular bait treatments
