Savannah residents enjoy the natural beauty and mild winters the area has to offer. However, this coastal dreamland is also home to many pests that benefit from the Savannah climate. This is why pest control in Savannah is so important.
One common local pest is the cockroach. Cockroaches are insects that have been around for ages. They do well in warm, wet environments, so the Savannah weather allows them to live successfully outdoors or inside amongst humans. There are dozens of cockroach species, but three stand out as the most prolific in the area: Oriental cockroaches, German cockroaches, and American cockroaches.
Oriental cockroaches are shiny and black, with an almost oil-slicked appearance. These roaches grow to about one inch in length; although they possess vestigial wings, they are incapable of flight. Oriental cockroaches can survive weeks without food but are heavily dependent on a water source. These roaches rely mostly on a diet of trash and decaying organic matter. They are often found beneath stones, porches, or leaf litter but will make their way indoors in search of shade and water.
German cockroaches are the smallest of the three. German cockroaches are small and tan with an iridescent finish. Despite their ability to fly, they prefer to run. German cockroaches are food-driven and will eat just about anything. Due to their affinity for food and warm, humid spaces, German cockroaches frequently choose to live in kitchens and bathrooms.
Of the three types of cockroaches, American cockroaches are the largest. In fact, they are the largest house-invading roach species in the United States, growing to over two inches in length. American cockroaches are also called palmetto bugs in Savannah; they are reddish-brown with yellow markings on their bodies. These roaches do have wings, which they use to fly short distances. American cockroaches mostly eat plants, other insects, and fermented goods. They prefer to live in warm, dark, humid environments such as flower beds and drains. They often find their way into homes in search of food via pipes.
How Do I Tell If It's Cockroaches In My House?
If any of these cockroaches sound eerily too familiar, there are a few telltale signs that cockroaches may be in your Savannah home. These signs include:
- Cockroach droppings, which resemble pepper flakes, found in cabinets and drawers
- Small, dark egg capsules that are glued to the bottom of furniture near water or food sources
- A musty smell caused by the release of cockroach pheromones
These clues are major red flags that roaches are living in your home.
Can Roaches In My House Really Make Me Sick?
Getting rid of a cockroach infestation is much more than a gross nuisance. These insects are filthy and can cause illness. Cockroaches have tiny, sticky, hair-like structures on their legs that pick up microscopic debris. As they often crawl through sewage and trash, cockroaches carry this filth with them wherever they go. As such, when they crawl across your table or through your food, they leave behind traces of sewage, trash, etc.
Cockroaches can spread 33 kinds of bacteria, several different parasitic worms, and a minimum of seven other kinds of human pathogens. Furthermore, certain allergens found in cockroach feces, saliva, and body parts can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms.
Why Do I Have Cockroaches In My House?
Cockroaches are living creatures that are motivated by their need for survival. They are constantly ensuring that shelter, food, and water are safely secured for themselves. Therefore, if your home is accessible and fulfills one or all three of these needs, cockroaches will come.
The best thing a homeowner can do is to prevent cockroaches from being attracted to their home before an infestation occurs. Savannah homeowners should maintain a clean and sanitized home to dissuade cockroaches from visiting. This looks like keeping floors, counters, and tables free of clutter and crumbs. Additionally, cleaning up spills right away, frequently taking out the trash, and avoiding a pileup of dirty dishes will go a long way towards keeping cockroaches away. Homeowners should also ensure that all parts of the home are properly ventilated and devoid of excess water. Holes, gaps, and cracks in the home can be sealed with a silicone-based caulk.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Roaches?
If you are already in the midst of an active cockroach infestation, then a professional cockroach pest control team, such as Prestige Pest Control, is the best course of action. At Prestige Pest Control, we offer full-service pest control for your Savannah home and all of our treatments are guaranteed to successfully rid your home of pests. For pest control that works, reach out to Prestige Pest Control today!