Seeing a cockroach in your Sacramento home is a terrifying moment that sends thoughts running through your mind. “Why is there a cockroach in my home!?” “How do I get rid of this cockroach?” and “Will this cockroach put me or my family in danger?” These are valid questions. Cockroaches can spread many dangerous diseases and can contaminate your food, so it’s important to get rid of them immediately. Thankfully, we at Pro Active Pest Control know the secrets to keeping cockroaches out of your home.
What Do German Cockroaches In Sacramento Look Like?
Cockroaches are broad, oval-shaped pests with tiny heads, two large antennae, and six legs. Their color varies but typically falls in the range between black and tan. German cockroaches are on the tan end of the color spectrum. Their most prominent identifying features are the two black stripes behind their heads. These roaches are different from Oriental cockroaches (known for their disgusting smell) and American cockroaches which have yellow figure 8 markings on the backs of their heads. Both Oriental and American cockroaches tend to nest outside while German cockroaches prefer to nest inside.
Cockroaches invade homes by slipping in through tiny cracks or openings. Once they find a food source, they’ll set up a nest in a dark, secluded, and moist area. Kitchens tend to be the primary locations cockroaches inhabit. There are places behind appliances to hide, there’s easy access to food, and there’s plenty of moisture. Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, so spotting them in the day is usually a sign of a huge infestation. One clue that you have an infestation is to see their droppings, which look like coffee grounds or black pepper.
Are Cockroaches In Sacramento Dangerous?
Cockroaches are incredibly dangerous, and their presence in your home should raise alarm. They can spread dangerous diseases, like Salmonella, and cause food poisoning when they contaminate your food with their feces. They spread pathogens through contact, so even just touching a cockroach can put you at risk. Their shed skins and feces can trigger allergies and they can even cause asthma flares and allergic reactions.
Ways To Prevent Cockroaches From Invading Your Sacramento Home
With all these risks, it’s important to prevent German cockroaches from getting into your Sacramento home. Here are some prevention tips that might help you prevent cockroaches from getting inside.
Keep your home clean. Cockroaches are attracted to filth because it indicates food sources for them. Wipe down counters, sweep and vacuum often, clean dishes immediately instead of leaving them in the sink, and take out the trash regularly. Seal outdoor trashcans properly and keep them a safe distance away from your property.
Seal potential entry points such as cracks, holes, openings, utility entries, chimneys and vents, and door and window frames. For sealing large openings, tight mesh coverings can keep roaches out.
Store food properly to avoid attracting roaches. Don’t leave any food sitting out on counters or floors, pet food included. Seal food in plastic containers or in your fridge and clean up after preparing food.
While prevention helps prevent cockroaches, it’s not guaranteed to prevent an infestation. DIY solutions usually fail because cockroaches become incredibly resistant to common chemicals found in DIY roach solutions. Contact Pro Active Pest Control for help instead. We can identify your cockroach problem and set up an ongoing solution to get rid of them. We regularly monitor your property and create a barrier around your home. Be proactive and call Pro Active Pest control now!