Have you ever held a cockroach? It is an uncomfortable experience. Nothing about these compact and creepy insects makes you want to pick them up or interact with them in any way. In fact, the opposite is usually true. If you believe that cockroaches are gross and feel uncomfortable when they are around, we have a few things you need to consider. Here is the best way to make sure roaches stay away from your home.
Cockroaches Don’t Just Look Gross; They Are Gross
There is no denying that cockroaches look filthy, even more so than other area pests. The question is, are they as filthy as they appear? This depends on the moment. Cockroaches are religious groomers and are constantly removing environmental buildup from their bodies in order to smell their food better. That said, these pests regularly crawl through and wallow in filth found in trash cans, beneath large kitchen appliances, around bathrooms, and in other dirty areas around a home. This leaves their bodies covered with dangerous bacteria. They spread this bacteria over left-out food, countertops, kitchen tables, and wherever they travel. Some common diseases homeowners can contract from cockroaches are salmonellosis, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
Common Cockroaches
Washington is home to four distinct species of cockroaches: German cockroaches, American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches. Of these four pests, German cockroaches are, by far, the most common. Identify one of these dirty insects by its tan, ½ to ⅝” long body and the two darker almost parallel lines on the back of the head.
One thing that makes cockroaches unique is how their bodies can compact. Not only can these pests squeeze through the smallest of gaps and cracks but they enjoy doing this. Cockroaches gravitate to tight places where their backs and bellies can touch a surface at the same time. This is where they feel the most comfortable.
Why Your Home Attracts Cockroaches
You might not know this, but all homes, including your own, are attractive to cockroaches. The only stipulation is that you have a working heating and cooling unit and regularly bring food home. As long as these two things are true, cockroaches will want to live hidden just out of sight of your living areas.
Simple Tips To Prevent Cockroaches
There are three things that prevent cockroaches: reducing attractants, eliminating harborage, and making sure your home’s exterior is properly sealed. Here are some practical ways to do these things around your property.
- Fill in holes and gaps in your home’s exterior foundation and spacing around window/door frames using a caulking gun.
- Make sure all of your home’s exterior doors have door sweeps.
- Repair damage to window/door screens.
- Close unscreened windows and doors when they aren’t in use.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up around your property.
- Address problems with your home’s gutter system.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures in and around your home.
- Keep your living areas as clean as possible.
- Store leftovers inside airtight containers.
An Easy Way To Eliminate Cockroaches
There is no easier way to handle cockroaches than with the help of a professional pest control provider. For the absolute best services and highest quality treatments, trust the experts at Alta Pest Control. Our team of dedicated technicians knows what it takes to fight back against dangerous pests. We are also equipped with the advanced strategies and industrial-grade tools needed to get and keep cockroaches out of your home.
Call us today to learn more about our pest control offerings and find one that meets your needs.
