“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” - John Lennon
For his short life, John Lennon gave us so many great quotes, and this line was just one of them. Here, Lennon was not telling us not to make plans but was simply an observation of what happens to all of us when all we do is the plan and not act on it.
The same is relevant in the homefront; roaches happen while you are busy doing other things. While you are cooking, eating, exercising, watching television, playing with the kids, taking a bath, or tending to your garden, cockroaches manage to sneak in looking for food, water, and shelter. Even then, it would take days, weeks, or months before you would probably take action, either because you have noticed them yet tending to other things, or you are too busy to act on the infestation problem.
Being busy is no excuse. Cockroaches are insects that should not be tolerated inside homes. They are too dangerous; they carry lots of bacteria and viruses that can transmit so many dangerous kinds of diseases. Aside from that, they are truly a nuisance. Getting rid of them should be a priority, and it is a good thing that within the area, there is an insect pest control with great reviews in Concord, NC that you can turn to.
So when exactly should you call for a cockroach exterminator? Read on.
Description Of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most plentiful insects there are. There are more or less 4,600 identified species of cockroaches, and they can be found all over the world. It is relevant to know that of this number, only 30 are associated with humans and human habitats. The rest are mostly in the forests, being a vital component of the ecology. Similarly, it is important to note that most cockroaches are beneficial insects.
For this article, we will not delve into cockroach species that are beneficial to the environment. We will leave them alone for all that they have done for planet earth. We will focus on the pests that adversely affect human activities.
As we can now see, we can divide cockroaches into two types: those that are beneficial and those that are pests. Both types are on the opposite end of the spectrum; there is no middle point with these creatures.
Cockroaches are notorious for being the filthiest creatures on earth. They are omnivores, so they are not choosy as to what they would eat. However, they seem to have a preference for, or at least do not mind, eating extremely dirty things. They eat fresh food, rotting food, feces, trash, decomposing animals, and even their own. They thrive in dirty places, living in sewers and garbage bins. These dirty habits make them disease vectors due to all the bacteria and viruses that are attached to them, especially on their legs. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes cockroaches as “unhygienic scavengers in human settlements."
Among the 30 species of cockroaches that are closely identified with human dwellings, there are 4 common types that Americans encounter. Let us take a look at each one.
Common Types Of Cockroaches
1. American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are the most abundant among the most common roaches. They can be found in human shelters all over the world. They are hardy insects that do not get killed easily. American cockroaches grow to about 1 ¼ inch to 2 ⅛ inches with oval-shaped, reddish-brown bodies. They have yellow marks that resemble the number 8 at the back of their heads. They have six legs and wings. They can fly short distances but are not good flyers. When they feel threatened, they run fast and are hard to catch.
Their presence can be given away by the musty smell they produce, which are the pheromones that they release. They typically come from the outside of the house but will enter your house looking for food, water, and even shelter due to food shortage or a change in the climate. They can be found living in drains and sewers, or near garbage where their food source is. They come in from the sewers through the drainage or cracks, crevices, and holes in your home. Their bodies are so narrow that they can squeeze into a crack that is of the same width as a credit card. Once inside, they find their way in the kitchen and bathroom most of the time in search of food and water.
American cockroaches eat whatever they can find, including feces, rotten food, and dead animals. This makes them disease vectors. They contaminate our food with their droppings, saliva, urine, and vomit, or by simply crawling on the food. Their droppings, urine, and saliva also contain allergens that can cause allergies and asthma.
2. German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are considered as the most troublesome of these cockroaches. They are typically seen in restaurants, factories, and warehouses. German cockroaches can be found all over the world. They are smaller in size compared to American cockroaches, being at just 10 to 15 mm long. Similar to the American cockroaches, they contaminate food and water with their droppings and urine. They are usually brought in these business establishments through packages delivered to them.
Their diet consists of sweet, starchy foods. Since they can be commonly found in food-related businesses, their presence alone can cause scandal, health risks, and even closure of the business because roaches are associated with unsanitary conditions. It should be noted, however, that they are not the cause of the unsanitary conditions we are talking about, but rather should be seen as a result of it.
To identify, German cockroaches are brown to dark brown and have two parallel bands running across the plate-like structure that covers its thorax.
3. Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are big and are probably one of the largest species of cockroaches. They thrive in damp areas, which is why they are also called “water bugs”. They are colored black, grow to about 1 inch in length, and have oval-shaped bodies, with 6 legs and antennae. They like to live under clutter and in sewers.
Their diet includes decaying organic matter, trash, and starchy foods. They find their way inside houses through small cracks, crevices, and holes, and once inside they prefer to go to the basements and crawl spaces. They hide in toilets, sinks, pipes, and anywhere that is damp and cool. They are considered to be the filthiest of all cockroaches.
4. Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-banded cockroaches are characterized by the two lighter bands on their dark brown bodies. They can grow up to ½ inch long, with oval-shaped bodies, 6 legs, and a pair antennae attached to their heads. They enter homes through cracks, crevices, and small holes. Female brown-banded cockroaches lay their eggs under furniture.
The Dangers Of Having Cockroaches In The House
Do cockroaches bite? The answer is no, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But that does not give them a pass. Cockroaches can transmit deadly diseases like salmonella, cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, and typhoid fever. Plus, they can cause food poisoning. They contaminate food through their urine, droppings, saliva, and vomit. They are also one of the most common sources of indoor allergens.
DIY Cockroach Infestation Solutions
Can pest control get rid of roaches? You bet.
You can protect yourself from cockroaches by practicing good housekeeping. Sweep and mop the floors, then vacuum carpets and furniture. Do not leave unwashed dishes in the kitchen sink overnight. Put a tight lid on your trash cans and garbage bins, then regularly dispose of your garbage properly.
Check around the house and see if there are cracks, crevices, and holes. Seal them by caulking. If the cracks have the same width as a credit card, then it is large enough for a roach to fit in.
Fix leaky pipes and faucets. Wipe off drink spills immediately and food debris. Clutter should also be cleared.
Who You Should Call For An Exterminator
Cockroaches are like your unwelcome visitors that need to go. They cannot stay because they are a nuisance. If you already have roach infestation problems and are overwhelmed by it, then maybe it is time for you to call the professionals.
Of course, you would only want to hire the best, and would not settle for less. For the best pest control company in North Carolina, check out Go-Forth Home Services.
The mere sight of a cockroach can make you cream, and sick even. You and your family are always put in harm’s way each time they take over your home. With Go-Forth Home Services, we can easily get rid of your pest problems quickly and safely. Our 61 years of experience is our proof.