Cockroaches – Is Your Home Infested?
There is nothing worse than a cockroach infestation. If your home is infested by creepy crawlers, you’ll need some information to get rid of them as soon as possible.
There are about 4,000 species of cockroaches in the world. Approximately 450 of those species can be found in Australia. Australians are most likely to see the following cockroach species in their home:
- German Cockroach– You may catch one in your kitchen or your food storage room. German roaches love to be in dark and warm spaces that are close to the food.
- Australian Cockroach – A large flying cockroach that prefers a plant-based diet. The Australian cockroach is likely to be found outside.
- American Cockroach- Even larger than the Australian cockroach. The American Cockroach also flies, it’s a reddish brownish color and it loves a moist space, like walls and roofs, sewers, or drains. The American cockroach loves greasy spaces and oils, they can be found in food preparation areas.
You may find some of these three cockroach species in your home. If you do, you should take care of them quickly. Cockroaches can be annoying pests in the home. They multiply quickly and once there is an infestation, they are very hard to keep away. Cockroaches can also cause diseases through bacteria which can be extremely harmful to humans. If you are having issues with cockroaches in your home, this article will be very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cockroaches
How are Cockroaches Harmful?
Not all cockroaches are harmful. About 30 types are cockroaches are considered dangerous pests. Cockroaches can cause disease through their fecal matter and their decayed skeletons. Roaches can bring bacteria in the home and cause problems, especially for people with weak immune systems, or people who suffer from asthma.
Do Cockroaches Only Come in Dirty Homes?
Cockroaches do not only haunt dirty homes. Cockroaches find their way into homes and buildings through cracks and openings. They love spaces that are moist and dark. Cockroaches stick around dirty homes and homes with lots of food left out because they love to eat.
The best way to keep cockroaches out of your home is to close any cracks in walls or ceilings and keep your home free of excess grease and crumbs.
How Long Do Cockroaches Live?
Cockroaches can live between months and about two or three years. A cockroaches lifespan depends on the species of the cockroach. Cockroaches reproduce very quickly. The baby cockroaches or “nymphs” take about 12 months to grow to adult size.
Can Roaches Go Without Food for Months?
Cockroaches are very resilient. They can go over a month without food. They can survive without water for about two weeks. Cockroaches are so resilient that they can live up to one week without its head. female cockroaches can be pregnant for its entire lifespan after mating only one time.
How Fast Can Roaches Move?
Cockroaches are super fast. That’s why they are so hard to catch. Cockroaches of all ages and sizes can move up to three miles per hour on their own.
Diseases Spread by Cockroaches
Cockroaches can be a severe problem. In worst case scenarios, cockroaches can produce feces carrying bacteria that translates into diseases. The germs in the body of a cockroach can be very harmful to humans. Their natural habitat is full of dirt and filth, they travel with the germs from these areas and carry them around homes that are infested.
Cockroaches can carry bacterial diseases like salmonellosis and shigellosis. They also carry viral diseases like gastroenteritis and hepatitis A.
Cockroach Infestation Signs
Be sure to catch a cockroach infestation before it gets out of hands. Cockroaches reproduce at extremely high speed and can become a huge nuisance in the home. There are specific signs to look out for that could lead to infestation. Use this as a guide to signs of a cockroach infestation.
- Beware if You See A Cockroach In the Daytime
- Cockroaches usually come out at night. They are nocturnal by nature, so if you see one creeping around during the day, you may have a big problem.
- Look out for Cockroach Droppings
- Fecal matter from cockroaches is the leading cause of disease from cockroaches. If you start to see cockroach feces visibly around the home, you surely have an infestation, and you should likely call a professional. Cockroach fecal matter creates tiny black droppings that resemble black pepper grounds. The cockroach fecal matter may also come in the form of a small black cylinder.
- Do Not Ignore Odd and Unpleasant Odors
- If you think you may have an infestation problem, be sure to look out for destiny unpleasant odors in your home. If the infestation is very bad, there will be a musty or oily odor in the home. Dead cockroaches leave off a very strong smell, and enough cockroach feces also leaves a musty odor behind.
- Cockroaches Leave Their Eggs Around
- Cockroaches are always reproducing, and they do it without shame. If you are experiencing a cockroach infestation, you may find cockroach egg cases behind furniture, under mats, and in other small obscure places.
Cockroach Prevention
Prevention is better than cure. Taking steps to prevent cockroaches in your home will save you a lot of stress and even more money. Follow these tips to prevent an infestation in your home.
- Store All Your Food Properly
- Cockroaches love to eat, they will crawl into any open container and devour any stray crumb. Be sure to keep your food in tight sealed containers. Be sure to store the containers in spots that are high up. Do not store food on the floors of your space
- Fill in the Cracks
- Cockroaches come in through small cracks and tiny holes. They love small places that are easy to hide in. Be sure to fill in any cracks in your walls or your floorboards.
- Clean Your Shelves
- Cockroaches are scavengers. They eat any stray food particle they can find. Wiping down your shelves and counters regularly will help to regulate the amount of food buildup in your home.
- Get Them Early
- Insecticides help to prevent cockroaches from ever appearing in the first place. Applying a liquid or gel insecticide on cracks and areas where roaches are likely to show up will stop them from coming and reduce the chances of an infestation.
When you are dealing with cockroaches in your home, you may need to act fast. If you are having issues with cockroach removal, don’t wait. Call a professional or your local pest control service immediately. Inspection and extermination may be necessary. Australians trust Southside Pest Control to take care of all of their extermination needs. Call Southside Pest Control for a consultation today.
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