We all know that cockroaches are hardy, conniving, gross insects. But do you really know how bad it is to discover these bugs living in your home? Cockroaches are considered to be vermin by definitional standards, which means they are disease-carrying vectors for parasites and bacteria of all kinds. Their high adaptability to multiple kinds of environments makes them perfect carriers for many serious diseases.
These insects have been eating, breeding, and spreading diseases for thousands of years, and they aren’t planning on stopping now. Here in Louisville, KY, many homes and businesses provide the perfect breeding ground for many species of cockroach, including:
- The American Cockroach
- The Brown-Banded Cockroach
- The German Cockroach
- The Oriental Cockroach
Cockroaches roam freely through bathrooms and kitchens, sewer drains and food packages. Their hardy bodies are capable of withstanding the pathogens that cause serious illness in humans. These are easily spread around while the bugs climb on various surfaces. Cockroaches are some of the most disgusting and disturbing pests in Louisville, spreading harmful pathogens from latrines to the kitchen counter, with their unsuspecting human hosts none the wiser.
The list of diseases and health concerns that roaches cause is vast, from chronic conditions to breathing concerns. The World Health Organization states that cockroaches may pass on the following illnesses:
- Dysentery
- Cholera
- Leprosy
- Bubonic Plague
- Typhoid Fever
- Viral Illnesses
- Parasitic Worms
As an additional note, roaches are a well-known allergen source, especially in children. Adults with asthma are warned to take precautions if visiting or living in an environment where high quantities of these bugs have been reported. If roaches of any variety have come calling to your home, immediate action is encouraged.
Identifying Cockroach Problems (And Preventing Them In The First Place)
Identifying a cockroach infestation in the home can be as easy as ABC:
- A. Assess Your Surroundings: Cockroaches leave messy trails in their wake, making them easier to spot than other species of insects. Look for cockroach droppings around various locations in the home, especially easily accessible food sources or drains.
- B. Be Aware Of Scents: Large groups of cockroaches are known to give off a musky, oily, or even sweet odor. This scent is normally powerful enough to be detected by human noses.
- C. Check For Eggs: Roach egg casings may be found behind tables, underneath couches, or close to food sources. Ranging between 5 – 10 mm in length, the color scheme of these eggs is largely dependent on the species of roach.
If you currently have no signs of cockroach infestation on the property, follow these three prevention tips to ensure your home remains in the clear.
- Keep garbage sealed away in appropriate bins. And don’t allow fruits, vegetables, or other counter foods to remain in the open for very long. The scent of ripening or rotting foodstuffs is a powerful attractant to cockroaches.
- Cockroaches need moisture to survive. Reduce air moisture by running dehumidifiers in the home, as well as repairing any leaky pipes or clogged drains.
- Seal up all cracks and crevices around the home that could be letting pests sneak indoors.
Want more tips for your Louisville home? Schedule a free home inspection immediately to receive more helpful advice.
Let Action Pest Control Keep Out Louisville Cockroaches
If you spot any of the above signs regarding cockroach activity in the home, don't jeopardize your health or the health of your family. To mitigate your risk of pest infestation and cockroach-borne diseases, call the pest control professionals right away at Action Pest Control.