An old saying states the only things that can survive a nuclear bomb are Twinkies and cockroaches. While we can’t speak to Twinkies, the fact that cockroaches made the shortlist speaks volumes to their tenacity and tells us all we need to know about just how hard they can be to eliminate from your Columbus property.
Cockroaches are highly adaptable pests that are both unsightly and dangerous to humans. Therefore, you should take every measure at your disposal to get them out – and keep them out – of your house. Your family’s health could depend on it.
What To Know About Common Area Cockroaches
There are thousands of species of cockroaches in the world. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and feature a variety of identifying marks. Moreover, some are capable of flying while others are not. Most cockroaches have flattened, oval-shaped bodies and six spine-covered legs.
While there may be thousands of species throughout the world, the cockroaches you are most likely to encounter here in central Ohio are German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, American cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
- German Cockroaches are brown in color. In addition to this, they feature two black stripes across their bodies. While German cockroaches can fly, they only do so rarely.
- Oriental Cockroaches are a shiny, dark-brown color and are not able to fly. Oriental cockroaches are highly attracted to areas with lots of moisture.
- American Cockroaches are brown in color and have a yellowish figure-eight pattern behind their heads. American cockroaches are large and capable of flying.
- Brown-banded Cockroaches, as their name suggests, have brown bodies with two tan bands running across them. While male brown-banded roaches can fly, the females are not because they have underdeveloped wings.
Why Cockroaches Are Dangerous
While some pests are dangerous because they transmit diseases through bites, cockroaches spread bacteria, pathogens, and parasites as they scurry about your home. Any surface touched by a cockroach may be contaminated. This means countertops, dishes, and even food if stored incorrectly. Some common diseases transmitted by cockroaches include salmonella and E. coli. In addition to the variety of bacteria and pathogens that cockroaches spread, their excrement and shed skins are known to trigger allergies and even cause asthma attacks in at-risk people.
If the health threats aren’t enough, cockroaches can also feed on books, clothes, and other household items, causing costly damage. Overall, there are several reasons you don’t want cockroaches infesting your home, which is why you should know both how to prevent cockroach infestations and what to do should you have one.
Preventing & Identifying Cockroach Infestations
When it comes to cockroach prevention, the goal is to remove any possible food sources that could attract them into your home. To help decrease their chances of finding food:
- Store all food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
- Wipe up any spills from counters or floors immediately.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes resting in the sink.
- Store garbage in tightly sealed containers.
- Fix any leaking pipes.
While taking the proper precautions can help to reduce your risk of a cockroach infestation, roaches may still enter your home. If this is the case, you should know some signs of how to identify a cockroach infestation.
The obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is seeing cockroaches scurrying around your home. In addition to this, you might notice droppings or shed skins on your floors or countertops. If you do notice the signs of a cockroach infestation, there’s only one thing to do.
Call The Professionals
If you are dealing with a cockroach infestation in your Columbus home, or require commercial cockroach control services, don’t delay – call the professionals here at 1st Response Pest Management right away. We provide the experience and expertise needed to eliminate any current infestations and help to prevent future ones.