Besides the hideous appearance, cockroaches tend to be extremely dangerous and harmful to humans. A cockroach infestation can cause several health and hygiene-related issues and can also cause different diseases and illnesses. Therefore, you must not overlook the signs of cockroach infestation and employ preventive measures as soon as possible.
With a professional pest control agency like Brooks Pest Control, you can find various pest control solutions, including cockroach control. The experts will check the extent of infestation and then decide how to remove pests like cockroaches.
Common cockroach species
Although there are several different species of cockroaches in California, the following are some of the most common ones-
- German cockroaches: German cockroaches are the most common cockroaches in California. With a light brown color and a body around ½ inch long, they can be easily found in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Brownbanded cockroaches: The least infestive cockroach species, brownbanded cockroaches, are about ½ inch long. The male cockroaches have a lighter tan hue, while the females are dark brown. They usually liner around the electric appliances like refrigerators, TVs, radios, etc.
- Oriental cockroaches: Oriental cockroaches like moist, dark spaces like woodpiles, trash cans, drains, etc. They can grow up to 1¼ inches long, and a female oriental cockroach can produce around 200 cockroaches in a year.
- Smoky brown cockroaches: Dark brown or mahogany in color, the smoky brown cockroaches are about 1½ inches long and can be spotted in plant boxes, garages, woodpiles, and upper parts of your property.
- American cockroaches: An American cockroach can grow up to 2 inches long and has a reddish to brown body. While they are primarily outdoor species, they can linger around humid places in the house, like leaking pipes or drains.
- Depend on Armis Pest Control Boise ID, the experts in effective pest management. Our Boise pest control guarantees a pest-free home all year long.
Indications of cockroach infestation
Cockroaches can be very stealthy. However, the population can grow abruptly in a very short time. The following are some common tell-tale signs that can indicate a cockroach infestation in your home.
- You’ll find cockroach feces (also called cockroach droppings) that resemble coffee grounds or tiny black specks in places like kitchen corners, cabinets, etc.
- You’ll observe a peculiar musty or oily smell around your house, indicating cockroach infestation.
- Cockroaches leave reddish brown streaks behind them, which look like dirt or food stains. Usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, these smears can be hard to clean and a sign that you have cockroaches in the house.
- Depending on the species, some cockroaches lay their egg sacks in a safe place, while others prefer to carry them before they hatch. However, if you come around cockroach eggs (reddish brown cases resembling a tiny seed), you may have cockroaches in your home.
Why cockroaches are dangerous to humans
Despite their tiny size and harmless appearance, cockroaches threaten humans severely. Following are some reasons why cockroaches can be more dangerous than you think.
- Cockroaches can be carriers of bacteria that can cause dangerous diseases like salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus through food and water contaminated by the cockroaches.
- Cockroaches are also responsible for causing several intestinal diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid.
- The enzymes in cockroach feces, eggs, saliva, and body shedding can cause various allergic reactions like asthma. Moreover, children are more susceptible to these allergies.
- Apart from the above, cockroaches can also cause diseases like leprosy, plague, poliomyelitis, and E.coli.
Methods to Eliminate Cockroaches
You can adopt the following methods to reduce the cockroach infestation in your home.
- The best way to deal with cockroach infestation is to call a professional pest control service.
- Seal possible entry points, like cracks and holes in walls and floors
- Fix leaking pipes and faucets
- Do not let any area in the house get damp
- You can also use baits and traps to catch the cockroaches
- Cover and close the trash containers properly and tightly
- Keep food items in airtight containers
- Clean dirt sheets as soon as possible
- Keep pet food bowls clean
- Clean floor regularly
Final takeaway
Despite being small and having no biting power, cockroaches can pose a severe threat to humans. Therefore, employing effective measures to eliminate cockroaches from your property is imperative.
