Cockroaches may not seem like they have a huge presence in Washington state, but rest assured, these pests do live in the Pacific Northwest – and they won’t hesitate to make your home into theirs.
The four most common types of cockroaches you’ll encounter in Washington include the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. Here’s how these four types differ from each other:
- German Cockroaches: German cockroaches produce more eggs than any other roach type, and they’re the most common roach in Washington.
- American Cockroaches: These are the biggest roach and measure in at about an inch and a half to over two inches long.
- Brown-Banded Cockroaches: Brown-banded roaches tend to be the most active out of the four, and are identified by the light-colored bands on the base of their wings.
- Oriental Cockroaches: These roaches are medium-sized, and may try to make their way inside once temperatures drop.
There are subtle differences between cockroach types, but all of them would gladly take advantage of the shelter and food that your home has to offer. For homeowners, here’s what you need to know about the dangers of cockroaches and the most effective way to get rid of them.
Do Cockroaches Only Get Inside Dirty Homes?
While most people recognize cockroaches as being an unsanitary pest, there’s a common misconception that roaches can only live in dirty homes. However, this isn’t true – while cockroaches do like that dirty homes provide easy access to food and water sources, they’re not picky, and almost any home or business can be subject to a roach problem.
Clean homes may make it more challenging for cockroaches to scavenge, but roaches aren’t selective about what they feast on – sweets, greasy foods, paper, and even wallpaper paste can all become a roach’s meal.
Cockroaches are also extremely resourceful. Not only can they survive an entire month without food, but they’re capable of living a week after being decapitated.
How Dangerous Are Cockroaches?
What makes roaches so dangerous is that these pests aren’t just resilient – they’re also a health hazard. Roaches can be major carriers of bacteria, including salmonellosis, and they spend their time in plenty of unsanitary places – like sewers and garbage.
When they contaminate your food and prep surfaces, roaches also expose you and your family to any bacteria and pathogens they bring with them.
Not to mention, roach excrement and discarded skin can also trigger allergy and asthma attacks in many homeowners.
The Most Effective Form Of Cockroach Control
Cockroaches are survivalists, and because they can thrive off nearly nothing for so long, they’re almost impossible for homeowners to eliminate on their own. Roach traps seldom eliminate the entire infestation, and many over-the-counter roach killers can be toxic for you, your family, and your pets.
The most effective way to ensure you get rid of your cockroach infestation permanently is with professional help – and that’s where Alta Pest Control can come in. Not only do our cockroach treatments get the job done, but they also provide minimal impact on the environment. If you suspect, or you already know, that you’ve got a roach problem in your home, don’t hesitate to call us at Alta Pest Control today to learn more.
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