What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are scavenging insects that are attracted to dark, moist areas. Many cockroaches prefer to live outdoors, but some have adapted to living mainly indoors after discovering our structures will keep them warm, provide them with the moisture they require, and offer a constant food source.
We identify a cockroach by its flatted oval-shaped body and long antennae. When you look at a cockroach from above, its head is hidden from view. Many cockroaches are winged, but few are strong fliers, preferring to use their spine-covered legs to move from place to place.
Many different types of cockroaches can invade our Savannah, GA properties; partnering with a professional is the best way to identify which of the following are in your home or business:
- German cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
- Asian cockroaches
- American cockroaches
Are cockroaches dangerous?
There are many dangers associated with cockroaches, including being a trigger for allergies and asthma, especially in young children or people with weakened immune systems.
Another reason for these pests to be unwelcome in our structures is the bacteria, parasites, and viruses they carry on their bodies. They contaminate food and surfaces with pathogens that make us ill.
Cockroaches also take an emotional toll on people. It is difficult for someone to feel at ease in their home when they know cockroaches are sharing their space.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches easily become a problem for us because they can move into our structures in so many ways. They move inside through cracks in the foundation, spaces around pipes and utilities, gaps around windows and doors, or through spaces behind walls and under floors. Once inside, these nocturnal pests are excellent at hiding, and their presence often remains unnoticed until their populations grow.
Some signs of a cockroach problem in your home may include:
- A musty, foul odor that overtakes areas of your home and may affect the taste of food.
- Discovering their pepper-like droppings in drawers, cabinets, or on the floor.
- Finding an occasional dead or live cockroach. If you see one roach, there are many more hiding nearby.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Cockroaches will pop up almost anywhere that provides them with food, moisture, and shelter. Some places where cockroaches tend to become most problematic include houses, apartment buildings, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other structures where food is stored or prepared.
Any home or business can become home to cockroaches after they move inside on their own or are accidentally introduced inside things like used furniture or electronics, deliveries, and grocery bags. Favorite hiding spots for cockroaches include cardboard boxes, the backs of drawers and cabinets, and behind appliances, baseboards, or wooden trim.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Let the professionals at Prestige Pest Control get rid of cockroaches from your Georgia property. Cockroaches are disease-spreading pests, and we should never tolerate their presence in our homes and businesses. At Prestige Pest Control, we believe in treating our customers like family and providing pest control services that are affordable and result in a pest-free home.
Our highly trained and knowledgeable professionals solve issues with cockroaches and other pests through customized services and products that are EPA certified. To learn more about eliminating problems with cockroaches through our monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly pest control options, reach out to us at Prestige Pest Control today!
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from cockroaches with the following prevention tips:
- As scavengers, cockroaches will take advantage of any crumb of food they come across. Keep outdoor and indoor eating areas free of food debris.
- Store dry goods in kitchen cabinets or the pantry in hard-sided containers with airtight lids.
- Keep produce in the fridge whenever possible.
- Since roaches feed at night, make sure to pick up leftover pet food each evening before going to bed.
- Reduce the number of cardboard boxes, stacks of paper, and other clutter in your home where cockroaches like to hide and lay eggs.
- Reduce excess water in and around your home that provides them with the moisture they seek.
- Seal spaces in exterior walls and the foundation that could allow foraging cockroaches into your home.