For we Saratoga property owners, keeping our homes in good condition is a point of pride. However, the local cockroaches seem to take just as much pride in invading these homes. And, unfortunately, these roaches aren’t just disgusting and unsettling to look at, they are detrimental to the clean, healthy, and secure environment we try to create in our homes.
Cockroach Health Hazards
Cockroaches are a problematic pest in almost every region of the world, and something about these six-legged creatures makes them downright chilling to look at. Maybe it’s the double set of wings or the way they always look a little slimy. Or maybe we’ve just seen Men In Black too many times. No matter where our fear of roaches stems from, Saratoga has no shortage of them.
The cockroach species that inhabit the Saratoga area can range in size from about a half an inch long up to an inch and a half. They’ll also range in color from tan to dark brown or dark reddish-brown.While the colors and sizes may differ, roaches have one more trait that they all have in common: the ability to spread dangerous bacteria everywhere they go.
This most disturbing trait stems from their preferred habitats, places like landfills, sewers, and dumpsters. They’ll gather bacteria up as they scavenge for food before their search leads them right into your home. Once inside, roaches can spread this bacteria to your furniture and food preparation surfaces, introducing your food to dangerous contaminants that can lead to salmonella and E.coli. Along with the risk of disease, a cockroach infestation also brings with it their pathogen secretions. As they move around, crawl up your walls, and squeeze through crevices, they emit a pathogen that creates a musty odor and, even worse, an allergic reaction in many children and adults. When the odor becomes strong, you’ll know you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. Now might be the time to call the skilled services of Old School Pest Control!
The Big Five Cockroach Prevention Tips
Other signs of roach infestations include their droppings (which look like cracked pepper) in the corners of the rooms, along with roach sightings (both dead or alive). Since cockroaches are nocturnal, seeing one during the day is a clear indication of an infestation. One or two might stumble into your house at night, but seeing them during the day most likely means there are a lot more within your walls.
If you do notice signs of infestation, it can be very hard to get rid of cockroaches on your own. Cockroach infestations almost always require professional pest control eradication methods. However, if you haven’t gotten to that point yet, your focus needs to be on preventative measures:
- Cleaning Habits: By regularly vacuuming, mopping, and doing the dishes every night, you’ll limit the attraction that roaches have for your home. Never leave food and dishes on the counter or in the sink overnight, as this will attract multiple roaches very quickly.
- Food And Trash Storage: Leftover food needs to be put away promptly and properly. If the container doesn’t seal up tightly, roaches can squeeze or chew their way into your stored foods. Your trash also needs to have a tightly secured lid, inaccessible to anything besides humans.
- Moisture Management: Cockroaches love dark, damp environments like basements, crawl spaces, and behind kitchen appliances. Dehumidifiers can help reduce the dampness in low-traffic areas, while monitoring for leaking pipes can reduce moisture build-up in the basement and under the kitchen counter.
- Sealing Off Entry Points: Identify your weak spots. These could be anything from damaged weather-stripping under exterior doors to small cracks in the foundation or the caulking around window sills. You may have to replace weather-stripping or add more caulking to cracks and crevices.
Now, these four tips will be somewhat effective in keeping roaches out of your home. However, the fifth roach prevention tip is the only one backed by a professional guarantee: Contact the professionals at Old School Pest Control today for assistance and the peace of mind that comes with being protected from these disease-carrying home invaders.