What are cockroaches?
There are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches living worldwide, all varying in color, size, and behavior, although they all have some of the same general characteristics. Cockroaches have oval-shaped bodies, six legs, and two long antennae. These nocturnal creatures are scavengers and feed on a variety of food and non-food items. Cockroaches are prolific breeders and highly adaptable, giving them the ability to take over any space they decide to inhabit.
two cockroaches crawling on a windowsill inside a home
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Many species of cockroaches live outside away from people and pose no threat. They are beneficial and help to break-down decaying matter. However, a handful of species have adapted to living with people and are dangerous to both people and property.
Roaches are responsible for spreading bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites. They contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria that causes salmonellosis, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. Additionally, their feeding habits cause damage to furniture, clothing, boxes, and other non-food items stored in your home, and their shed skins and feces trigger allergies and cause asthma attacks, especially in young children.
Cockroaches are dangerous pests and are difficult to get rid of once they have found their way into any home or business. The best way to tackle a cockroach infestation is to contact a professional to provide the inspection and treatment services needed to eliminate the infestation.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches can become a problem inside of any home or business. Many species of roaches live outside, near the exterior of houses and other structures. Things like open trash cans, compost, pet food, and outdoor eating areas, are food sources that initially attract cockroaches to a property.
While foraging for food, cockroaches sometimes find their way indoors through cracks in the foundation, through drains, under doors, or through spaces around air conditioners. These insects also move into buildings by hitchhiking their way in inside of delivery boxes, potted plants, and things like used appliances and electronics.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Where cockroaches prefer to live depends on their species. Most like to live in warm, humid areas, although some species prefer hot, dry locations. Cockroaches can become a problem anywhere; however, urban areas with a dense population of people, food, and shelter tend to have many more roaches.
Inside buildings, cockroaches live in dark, quiet spaces near areas of moisture and food. Common hiding spots include behind appliances, laundry rooms, cabinets under sinks, and behind wall voids near pipes and drains. Outside, cockroaches live behind tree bark, under mulch, in gardens, around dumpsters, trash cans, and in sewers.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Let the professionals at Old School Pest Control get rid of cockroaches from your New York property. We put our customers first and will take the time to get to the root of your pest problems. Our pest solutions work to eliminate existing pests and will protect your New York property from future ones.
We are a local company and have a good understanding of the pest pressures home and business owners face each day in and around Saratoga County. If you are ready to learn more about protecting your New York residential or commercial property from cockroaches, reach out to Old School Pest Control today!
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, prevent problems with cockroaches by implementing the following prevention tips:
- Seal up possible entry points along the roofline, foundation, and exterior walls.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home.
- Crawlspaces should be well ventilated.
- Keep locking lids on trash cans and compost bins.
- Maintain outdoor eating areas, keeping them free of food debris.
- Wash dishes and remove trash from your home daily.
- Limit the areas you eat in to reduce the possibility of crumbs and spills throughout your house.
- Inspect boxes, packages, and used furniture before bringing them into your home.