Cockroaches are pests that can make their way into homes and businesses unnoticed. Once inside, they can spread illnesses to occupants and cause asthma attacks in some people. Knowing what cockroaches are and how to prevent them will allow you to avoid these dangerous insects. Keep reading to learn more about cockroaches and find out if you need pest control in Louisville.
What Are Cockroaches?
There are about 4,000 living species of cockroaches worldwide and 70 species living in the United States. These pests are commonly found in homes and businesses, especially in winter, because they enjoy warm areas near food and water. However, these insects can also cause significant health risks.
There are four types of cockroaches that you might find in a Louisville building. Knowing the characteristics of cockroaches will help you identify them. These four cockroaches include:
- American cockroach: The size ranges from 1 1/4 to 2 1/8 inches long. They're reddish-brown with oval-shaped bodies and long antennae.
- Brown-banded cockroach: The brown-banded cockroach is half an inch long and brown with two lighter brown bands.
- German cockroach: These roaches range from 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch. They're light brown to tan with two dark stripes on their backs.
- Oriental cockroach: About an inch long, this cockroach is shiny black to dark reddish-brown.
All cockroaches are dangerous to humans when they find their way into a building. After they've entered a home, you'll likely need cockroach pest control in Louisville to eliminate them.
Cockroaches In Your Home Is A Major Risk To Your Health
Cockroaches carry various bacteria and pathogens that can cause human illness. These insects pick up the germs on the spines of their bodies and legs. The germs then infect food and surfaces the cockroaches come into contact with, allowing them to transfer to humans.
In addition to illnesses, cockroaches can also cause allergic reactions in some people. The droppings, saliva, and shed skin left around a building can result in asthma attacks.
Eliminate Factors That Attract Cockroaches Into Your Home
The best way to avoid the health problems caused by cockroaches is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Cockroaches enter buildings in search of warm environments, food, and water. They are less likely to enter a sanitized home or business.
Once cockroaches are in your home, they can be difficult to remove. In fact, you'll likely require a professional pest control company to get these pests out. However, there are some things you can do to avoid these pests entering in the first place:
- Wash dishes promptly after use.
- Tightly seal food containers.
- Clean residue off surfaces.
- Quickly clean up water spills.
- Remove clutter.
These tips can help you avoid a cockroach infestation, but it's not guaranteed. If you notice signs of a cockroach infestation in your home, you'll need the assistance of a local pest control company.
How Do I Get Rid Of Cockroaches?
Cockroaches can live in your house without your knowledge. In the meantime, they'll breed, increasing their numbers in your home or business. Since it can be hard to find them, you might not know if you've gotten rid of them all.
At Action Pest Control, our experts will inspect your home to determine where the roaches got in and how large the infestation has grown. We'll provide an effective home cockroach treatment plan and follow-up visits to ensure the success of the treatment. Call us today if you have a cockroach infestation in your home or business.