If you’ve found cockroaches in your Saratoga County home, know that you’re not alone. Homeowners across the county find themselves encountering these pests on a regular basis. But don’t let the fact that they are common fool you into thinking they should be welcome in your house! Find out just how bad cockroaches can be in today’s article.
About Local Cockroaches
Saratoga is home to several species of cockroaches that often get into homes and businesses. Although they all have slight variations in appearance, they share some similarities. Most are brown or black, and all have six legs and two antennae. Not all cockroaches have wings, as some are flightless. Typically, the largest of the local species (American cockroaches) grow to just over two inches long.
One trait shared by all of the local species is their ability to transmit diseases. Before they arrive at your home, cockroaches search for food in dumpsters, sewers, and other dirty places. They can pick up bacteria and diseases then bring them into your house.
When cockroaches walk on counters and tables, they can leave behind traces of bacteria and pathogens. They may crawl on your food and contaminate that as well. In the past and present, they have been known to spread salmonellosis, typhoid fever, and gastroenteritis.
In addition to spreading diseases, these pests can trigger allergies. People who suffer from asthma are particularly vulnerable.
Identifying A Problem
If you find one cockroach in your home, you could have an infestation. As rapid breeders, female cockroaches don’t waste any time reproducing. It’s only a matter of time before one or two roaches become a large number of roaches. Because cockroaches prefer dark and moist places and are quick movers, they aren’t always visible. Your first sign of an infestation might not be a cockroach sighting, but one of the following signs:
- Cockroach droppings
- Cockroach eggs
- Smear marks on walls or surfaces
- Damage to food packaging
- Shed skins
- Musty, foul odor
At the first signs of an infestation, you should call a pest control company. Our professionals at Old School Pest Control will be able to positively identify your pest and eliminate them from your home.
Prevention Tips
Before the issue gets out of hand, take some steps to prevent cockroaches. Make your house less appealing to these insects.
- For one, keep your home as clean as possible. Don’t leave crumbs on your surfaces or floors. After meals, wash your dishes or place them in the dishwasher. The more food particles you have around, the more cockroaches you will have.
- It’s also crucial to store your garbage in sealed containers. Because roaches first come from the outside of your home, find a way to securely store your outside garbage cans. Do the same for your indoor cans.
- Cockroaches need places to hide in your home. If you remove clutter from your house, you can take away hiding spots. Every so often, go through your rooms and declutter.
- Finally, keep your home as dry as possible. Cockroaches are attracted to moist environments, like basements and bathrooms. Use dehumidifiers in problem areas and install proper ventilation. When you find leaks in your home, repair them immediately. Doing so could discourage cockroaches from staying in your home.
Call The Professionals
The most effective method of cockroach prevention and elimination is to work with a professional pest control company. If you see signs of cockroaches in your home, don’t put your household’s health at risk. Contact the professionals at Old School Pest Control right away.