Roaches are one of the ickiest and most disturbing insects in the household. I cannot stress this enough. Roaches bring so much distress. They are unpredictable, they are wild, and they do not have respect for personal space.
Did you know that when a person experiences a traumatic experience with a cockroach, it can lead to Katsaridaphobia? This type of anxiety disorder is characterized as the irrational and intense fear of roaches. If one has this disorder, it will lead to a dysfunctional lifestyle.
Children until early adulthood are prone to acquiring phobia. To get rid of roaches and prevent the onset of Katsaridaphobia, we need to learn how to eliminate roaches effectively. The first step in doing so is being acquainted with some of the facts.
Facts About Roaches
According to entomologists, there are 4000 species of cockroaches worldwide. Out of all these species, there are only three that infest households. These creatures are very durable insects. Some say that they can survive a nuclear attack from eating debris and other scrap materials. Roaches have lived long before civilization was found. Through the years, they survived different challenges and calamities. It’s no surprise that getting rid of them is such a difficult task.
Most of us have tried to cut their heads, drown them, and flush them. No matter what we do, they keep on coming back. One of the most interesting facts about roaches is their hydrophilic nature. They can hold their breath for more than 30 minutes. If you think flushing them down the drain works in killing them, think again. You’ll only be sending them back to their natural habitat. They can come back anytime they want.
I know most of you have tried cutting off their heads as well. This does not kill them instantly. They still have an additional three weeks to survive. Unlike human beings, roaches do not rely on a nose to breathe air. They have holes all over their body to facilitate respiration. So, even if you cut off their heads, their circulation does not stop.
Also, roaches can survive without solid food without 3 weeks. That gives them a lot of time to keep spreading bacteria indoors. The worst part of cutting their heads is their directionless moving. They don’t know where they are heading or what they are heading against. Don’t be surprised if a headless roach comes running your way. Really, it’s an honest mistake of theirs.
What Diseases Do They Bring?
Here are some of the most common illnesses transmitted by roaches:
Salmonellosis
Cockroaches can accumulate Salmonella-causing bacteria inside their bodies. They usually catch the bacterium while eating contaminated food off garbage cans and sewers. The bacterium is eliminated from their bodies only when they vomit or defecate. When they pass over our belongings, they leave the bacterium behind for human beings to catch. This is why experts recommend storing utensils and accessories in tight and secure containers.
When human beings acquire the bacteria, the symptoms of Salmonellosis are as follows: fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some experience weakness, paleness, and body pains depending on the severity of the infection. Many people recover from the disease within 7 days without hospitalization. However, to younger children and the elderly, they might need medical assistance to help them replace the electrolytes lost.
If not, it could lead to dehydration. Soon enough, it can damage the internal organs of a person, leading to more serious complications.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is common in poorly sanitized areas and poorly urbanized environments. The transmission of this disease is the same as the transmission of salmonella bacteria. However, its symptoms are more flu-like as it includes very high fevers, headaches, muscle pains, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and weakness. It usually takes 7 days for one to recover. However, people with weaker immune systems need medical assistance to prevent complications brought by the disease.
Cholera
Cholera is another disease from roaches that is caused by Vibrio bacteria. It causes an acute diarrheal infection to infected individuals. Other symptoms include vomiting, headache, and dehydration. According to experts, this illness is more common in poorly-managed areas. It can be acquired through the ingestion of contaminated water and food.
Cholera is a more deadly illness compared to Typhoid and Salmonellosis. Many people die from this infection yearly. According to statistics, the Vibrio bacteria are responsible for taking the lives of more than 142,000 people a year.
The symptoms of cholera might remain undetected for one year. Some people note they do not feel any of the symptoms we discussed above. Little do they know that the bacterium is slowly spreading in their bodies. When the symptoms finally show, it could already be lethal to the victim. This is the reason why people need medical attention in treating cholera. Its effects are unpredictable and severe inside the body. If you don’t want to put your family at risk of catching the disease, you better eliminate all attractants of roaches in the household.
Keeping Cockroaches Out Of Your Home
Here are effective habits to control cockroaches at home:
- Whenever you shop for furniture, books, clothes, and second-hand appliances, check the package before you bring them home. There are instances when roach eggs are already inside the baggage. This will start the infestation inside your house.
- Wash clothes regularly. Cockroaches are attracted to food stains on clothing. They can tear the fabric apart just to sip the stains off of it. This is why you need to launder your clothes as frequently as possible. Don’t settle doing it once a week. If you can do it twice or thrice a week, do so. This can help you decrease your load so you won’t get tired of washing the clothes in bulk.
- Eliminate their food source. Roaches are attracted to sugary and starchy foods. Whenever you’re done eating, make it a habit to clean. Use a vacuum or a broom to eliminate the food crumbs on the sofa, table, and floors. Don’t forget to vacuum the farthest corners of your house. It may have some dirt that can attract roaches. In addition, do not leave any dish unwashed. When roaches detect a pile of dirty dishes on the sink, they feast on the leftovers and crumbs. Plus, this gives them the impression that your house is suited for their survival. Do not leave food where roaches can access. As much as possible, store your food in an air-tight container. This will prevent pests such as ants and roaches from accessing and contaminating them. Make sure that your cabinets and compartments have no cracks or crevices where they can enter. Or else, you’ll be waking up to contaminated food.
- Eliminate moisture from the atmosphere. Roaches are hydrophilic. Moisture is one of their main attractants to infest homes. This is why you can often find them in the kitchen and the bathroom where the moisture level is at its peak. To eliminate the source of moisture, check the plumbing, and fix any source of leaks. Also, it pays off to dry your dishes, sink, and bathroom before going to bed. This will prevent roaches from roaming around your home and contaminating everything in their path.
- Take out the trash more often. Many people take out the trash only once a week. This increases the risk of a roach infestation in the household because of the attraction it creates. If you don’t eliminate your trash properly and regularly, you’ll be facing a full-on infestation in no time. Garbage bags are not enough to keep them away. Roaches can easily create holes in these materials to get in. So if you want to deter the pests better, invest in durable garbage bins to make sure roaches cannot access it.
But, which pest control is the best for cockroaches?
Get Help From Professional Cockroach Exterminator In NC
If you, yourself can control roaches using DIY methods, imagine what professionals can do using state-of-the-art methods for pest control! If you want to save time and effort in eliminating these nasty creatures, do not hesitate to contact a reliable pest expert. If you’re in North Carolina, you’re lucky to have Hickory and Lenoir area pest control services that can eliminate roaches effectively. With their help, you can have lifetime protection from all kinds of pests including termites, ants, bed bugs, fleas, and many more.
Go-Forth Home Services is one of the well-known exterminators in NC. It is a top-provider for pest control that offers the most competent service in the state. With the help of their reliable professionals, your home and environment will be protected from the pests that cause illness and damage. At an affordable price, you’ll be enjoying the peaceful and anxiety-free life at home.
These are only a few of the ways to control roaches in the household. DIY works well but it does not amount to the effective strategies offered by pest control professionals. What are you waiting for? Put them on your speed dial and call them now!