Cockroaches Love Easy Access To Food

Cockroaches are extremely troublesome pests and can enter buildings through cracks and crevices in the foundation as well as through drains, pipes, and ventilation systems. Cockroaches are often outdoor pests as much as indoor pests and have been known to infest gardens and lawns. Some experts suggest that cockroaches have the ability to transmit thirty-three different kinds of diseases, and routinely spread countless bacteria as they scuttle across floors and food preparation areas.

Apart from their ability to spread disease through the contamination of kitchen surfaces and eating utensils, cockroaches have been known to trigger asthma. As cockroach nymphs develop, they periodically shed their skins or exoskeletons. Exoskeleton particles, along with particles of cockroach feces, can function as antigens when inhaled and exacerbate allergic reactions.

When dealing with a cockroach infestation, it’s very rare that only one pest control method is used. Likewise, many follow-up inspections will be required in order to ensure that the treatment is effective. Effective cockroach control begins with inspection. A good flashlight is helpful when trying to track down signs of cockroaches, as is some kind of flushing agent like aerosol. Keep an eye out for dark speckling which accumulates where cockroaches congregate.

Other signs of infestation include discarded skins and egg shells. These signs can help determine the cockroaches’ point of origin. The use of sticky traps can also help determine areas of roach activity. Leaving these traps in place and checking them regularly can help give an early warning and indicate a roach problem before an infestation gets out of hand. Not unlike mice, cockroaches will maintain their hiding places within a few feet of their food source.

Apart from food, roaches will seek out areas that offer warmth, moisture, and shelter. Roaches typically prefer organic surfaces like wood and cardboard. Younger nymphs rarely venture more than two feet from their hiding places, and fully grown adults usually don’t roam more than 10 feet, which means that you likely won’t have to look far from food storage areas to find a coven of roaches.

Another important step in controlling a roach population is exclusion, which means restricting their movement and number of hiding places. It will likely not be possible to remove all avenues of movement, but doing whatever you can nevertheless make an impact. Consider using some kind of sealant, urethane foam, or caulking material to seal up cracks in walls or under skins where cockroaches might be entering.

Cantu Pest & Termite is proud to be the first company in Texas to offer a Cantu Green Service to our customers in search of a more prevention-based solution to their pest removal and ongoing pest management needs while minimizing the use of pesticides.

If cockroaches or other pests have made unwanted appearances around your home, call Cantu Pest & Termite and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced cockroach removal experts.