Cockroaches: The Filth Pest

Cockroaches are six-legged insects known for their ability to adapt and survive in a variety of hiding places and environmental conditions, along with their tendency to eat practically anything available to them. Infestations occur in a variety of places, and different species of cockroach have unique preferences for which environment they choose to live in. But in many cases, as long as they have access to a steady source of food and water, they will stick around until they are eradicated.

Cockroaches are also known for their unhygienic nature. Their presence alone is often affiliated with ideas that their chosen place of infestation is unsanitary or undesirable. This is not always the case, but since cockroaches are often found in kitchens, pantries and bathrooms, especially commercial ones, their presence can be a source of worry and disgust. Due in part to their tendency to infest unclean locations, they are also potential sources of disease and allergens. Furthermore, they breed rapidly and can be difficult to kill.

For more information on roaches, please visit the links below.

Identify

Cockroaches come in several species and are usually colored light brown, dark brown or reddish brown. Some questions we can answer to help you identify them include:

  • What do the most common types of cockroaches look like?
  • How can I tell if I have a cockroach infestation?
  • Where do cockroaches often hide?

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Cause

Cockroaches are often attracted to damp places and various food sources. Some questions we can answer to help you determine the reason for their infestation include:

  • What are some things that people do that attract cockroaches?
  • How do cockroaches enter homes or businesses?
  • What do roaches eat?

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Treatment

It’s important to get rid of cockroaches as soon as you find out you have them.  Some questions we can answer to help  determine treatment include:

  • How can I get rid of cockroaches myself?
  • How can I deal with an infestation quickly?
  • Are cockroaches actually impossible to kill?

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Prevention

Since cockroaches are so hardy, prevention is key to avoid an infestation. Some questions we can answer to help you determine the best way to prevent cockroaches in your home or business include:

  • What are some things I can do on a daily basis to prevent cockroaches?
  • What maintenance should be done to prevent cockroaches?

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Cockroach FAQs

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A COCKROACH INFESTATION?

Signs of a cockroach infestation include droppings, smear marks, shed skins, cockroach eggs, minor damage and unusual odors. Cockroach sightings most frequently occur in basements and kitchens.

CAN COCKROACHES FLY?

Yes. Some species are stronger at flying than others. Both the Oriental and German roaches do not fly.

HOW DO I GET RID OF COCKROACHES?

There are many do it yourself methods to remove roaches from a home or business, but the most effective way is to hire a pest professional.

HOW DO I PREVENT COCKROACHES?

In order to prevent roaches in your home, you must cut off their access to food, water and shelter. Seal food in airtight containers, fix leaky faucets and seal any cracks or crevices that lead to the outdoors.

WHAT DO COCKROACHES EAT?

Cockroaches are omnivores, meaning they will eat what they can find. This includes leather, hair, books, decaying matter, sewage, sweets, meat, beer, cheese and any number of starches. Roaches can live several days without water.

WILL COCKROACHES BITE HUMANS?

Cockroaches are rarely aggressive enough to bite humans, but may bite if a human is asleep. Only the largest species of roaches are strong enough to bite through human skin.

HOW LONG DO COCKROACHES LIVE?

The lifespan of a cockroach depends on their environment. Lifespans can vary from as little as a month to almost two years.

Specific Health Problems Caused By Cockroaches

Cockroaches are more than just a nuisance—they can pose a serious threat to your health. In addition to aggravating allergies, cockroaches can bring serious illnesses into your home, such as:

  • Viruses: Cockroaches have been known to carry numerous viruses, like polio.
  • Roundworm: Parasites such as pinworms and roundworms can travel on cockroaches and can be severely dangerous.
  • Tapeworms: These parasites can cause serious illness and digestion problems.
  • Dysentery: This disease comes from ingesting fecal matter, something that cockroaches do often.
  • Food poisoning: Cockroaches feed on decaying matter and crawl around in all kinds of unsanitary conditions. If cockroaches get into food stores, they can contaminate them with germs and cause serious illnesses.
  • Fungus: Cockroach droppings, shed skins and egg cases can carry fungus that can affect the lungs and eyes. It can also be dangerously triggering to asthma.

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Dodson Cockroach Treatment Process

At Dodson Pest Control, we are capable of handling any pest issues that arise, including cockroach infestations. For a free consultation, contact us today.

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