If you were to guess which pest can live for up to a week without its head, cockroaches might be at the top of the list of guesses considering they are known for being nearly indestructible. However, while it’s true that cockroaches can sometimes live for up to a week without their heads, they aren’t completely impossible to eradicate. Cockroaches are dangerous to have in your Elk Grove home or business, but there are steps you can take to prevent them. This guide is here to help you keep cockroaches away.
The first step in dealing with cockroaches is to know what they look like. Roaches can vary in coloring and size, and there are a few main species in the area to know about. These include German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and oriental cockroaches.
German cockroaches are the most common species in the United States. They are less than an inch long and have tan coloring with two black lines that run parallel behind their heads. American cockroaches aren’t quite as common, but they are much bigger as they can get up to three inches long. They are reddish-brown. Last, there’s the oriental cockroach which is a pitch-black color and drawn to especially humid areas.
Are Cockroaches Very Dangerous?
Cockroaches are known for being unsanitary and spreading diseases, but even with this reputation, many don’t realize how dangerous they can really be. They can spread up to 35 different illnesses, including gastroenteritis, dysentery, and typhoid fever. While not all infections lead to sickness, the risk is there. Cockroaches are also known for getting into almost any kind of food they can find and access, so they can cause food poisoning or more serious sickness.
Along with the risk of illness, cockroaches can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks for some people, especially those at a higher risk.
Why It’s Hard To Remove Cockroaches On Your Own
Since cockroaches are dangerous, it’s important to do what you can to keep them away from your property and to remove them when they get inside. However, they are a particularly difficult pest to eradicate on your own completely. They reproduce quickly, and they are unfortunately resistant to a lot of pesticides bought at the store.
But, with the help of Pro Active Pest Control, you can keep your home roach-free. Our technicians use effective but safe cockroach control treatments, and we offer ongoing pest control plans to keep roaches from coming back in the future.
Future Cockroach Control Tips
Along with help from our technicians, there are also steps you can take on your own to keep cockroaches away. You should start by implementing these five measures:
- Remove trash and debris from around the yard and cover all garbage cans with lids.
- Make sure to wipe up food and drink spills immediately and always keep your kitchen clean.
- Excess moisture can attract roaches, so use dehumidifiers and fix leak plumbing.
- Clean up excess clutter around the property and in outbuildings and garages.
- Make it more difficult for cockroaches to get inside by fixing broken screens and installing door sweeps.
If you need help with cockroaches, call Pro Active Pest Control today for a quote.