Cockroaches are a pest found all over the world, being one of the most common in home infestations. They are active at night, scouring the kitchen, bathroom, garbage cans, and food storage places in the home for anything to eat. Due to their habits, and the chemicals that are released by their bodies, they will carry diseases and cause allergic reactions. As such, getting rid of these pests as soon as possible is highly recommended. In this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at the roach and cover some of the things that you need to know about these insects.
Biology
Cockroaches are flat insects with two pairs of wings and a light brown to black coloration. There are over 4000 species of cockroaches in the world, with 55 of them being located in the US. Most cockroach species will rarely fly, despite having wings. Instead, they will choose to walk very fast as a means of travel. The most common species that infest homes in the US are the American, Australian, Oriental, German and brown-banded cockroaches.
Behavior
The species of cockroaches that are adapted to living indoors likely have tropical origins. This is why they are attracted to parts of the home where they can find food, warmth and moisture. They will live in large groups and they will be active at night, while hiding during the day in tight spaces such as crevices in furniture, door frames and walls. Some roaches may even hide inside appliances, televisions, or drains and sewer systems. You will notice that if you turn on the light and cockroaches are out in the open, they will soon scurry to dark locations where they feel safe.
Health effects
Cockroaches routinely travel from filth to food sources, spreading pathogens in their wake. They may spread diseases on food, book-bindings and fabrics. They also disgorge partially digested food, spread disease through their feces, and discharge a foul secretion from various glands on their bodies which makes infested areas have a particular odor. In terms of the diseases and adverse health effects that they can cause, you have diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever and a variety of viral diseases. In addition to these, they also carry the eggs of parasitic worms and they are known to cause allergic reactions.
Getting rid of cockroaches
Like with any pest, it’s best to start by removing the causes of the infestation. Make sure that you keep all food in sealed containers, that you have a lidded garbage can, that you remove any entry points into the home such as cracks and spaces in the walls, and that you seal the openings around drain pipes and electrical cables. This is then followed by chemical control methods, usually employed by a professional. These methods are designed to eliminate all of the roaches in the home and clear out their nest. If you currently have a roach infestation, contact us today, and we will help you get rid of it.
Tags: Cockroach Control, Cockroach Control Company, Cockroach Exterminator
