How to Limit the Trouble with Cockroaches
According to the National Pest Management Association, cockroaches reportedly spread bacteria, parasitic worms, and human pathogens.
Cockroaches are nasty pests. Hidden within the crevices of walls and floors, they can cause inflammation in those with asthma, bringing disease and germs into a home. According to the National Pest Management Association, cockroaches reportedly spread bacteria, parasitic worms, and human pathogens.
There are numerous risks associated with cockroaches’ presence.
Food Contamination
Primarily, cockroaches feed on leftover food, beer, leather, baked goods, glue, hair, dead skin, plant material, and soiled clothes; they adapted to living with humans and can thus eat almost anything. However, if cockroaches come into contact with food, they will contaminate it, introducing germs and bacteria that can be dangerous.
Breeding
A female cockroach can live for up to fifteen months. A female cockroach may produce 300-400 offspring during her life, which means if there is a cockroach in the house, there’s a good chance the problem has only just begun.
Worms
Cockroaches have been linked to introducing parasitic worms to humans. So even if a house is spotless, cockroaches can make the residents susceptible to disease—and worms.
Minimizing the presence of cockroaches
Keeping cockroaches out can be tricky; however, homeowners can take steps to minimize the chance of infestation. Here are a few tips to help roach-proof a home.
Cut off the water supply
Cockroaches can survive up to a month without food but only two weeks without water. Therefore, an effective way to eradicate cockroaches is to cut off their water supply, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen areas. Check the plumbing system regularly for leaky pipes or faucets. Also, watch the washing machine as cockroaches may be living on any excess water present.
Seal all entrance points
Upon discovering an infestation, it is crucial to locate and seal the entrance points to the house. Cockroaches are flexible and can easily sneak in through cracks in the walls, floor, windows, and drains. Seal cracks and holes using special glue or plaster. Fit mesh fly screens to all windows and use drain plugs where possible.
It is also essential to take special care with kitchen drains. Frequently flushing the drain with boiling water will help to eliminate any egg sacs stuck to the pipes.
Keep the kitchen clean
Ensure that the kitchen is free of crumbs and food debris. Appliances like ovens and toasters should be cleaned regularly to prevent food build-up and potential cockroach infestations.
Take the garbage out regularly
Because cockroaches are attracted to pungent smells, it is important to take care during waste disposal. Reduce the garbage smell by regularly changing the trash bags and properly sealing them.
Minimize clutter
Cockroaches like the feeling of enclosed spaces. As a result, they often seek out dark, compact areas to settle in, such as wooden boxes, paper stacks, and food containers. Ensure food containers are carefully sealed and limit clutter to keep pesky roaches at bay.
Hire a professional
Cockroaches are challenging to remove from a home as they are hard to kill and can adapt to almost any environment. Although homeowners can take precautions to safeguard their homes against cockroaches, hiring a professional pest control service is best to eradicate severe infestations.
San Tan Pest And Weed Control offers reliable pest control for residential and commercial customers in Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Lower Santan Village, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler. Our pest management services control scorpions, ants, termites, bees, wasps, fleas, rodents, cockroaches, weeds, and more. We provide attic and crawl space cleaning and home sealing services to keep pests out. Call us at (480)405-0690.
