Try turning on your kitchen lights in the middle of the night. Chances are, you’ll see cockroaches crawling all over your compartments, shelves, and tables. The reason behind this is roaches are hydrophilic. They love moisture and water. The kitchen and the bathroom have the highest moisture levels at home.
These creatures cause disturbances in the household. Sometimes, they hamper home activities because of their nature. This is one of the reasons North Carolina residents call Greensboro exterminators with great reviews.
Diseases From Cockroaches
That’s not all!
Householders are afraid of cockroaches because of the diseases they bring to humans and animals. According to statistics, cockroach-associated illnesses are common in areas with poor sanitation and poor irrigation systems. Why? Because poor sanitation attracts cockroaches. We should know by now that these creatures are attracted to food crumbs and stains. If people do not apply effective housekeeping methods, cockroaches are expected to dwell inside their homes.
Roaches are also common in areas with poor irrigation systems. Without the proper flow of water in the surroundings, moisture accumulates in the atmosphere. This attracts roaches and other pests such as termites, mice, ants, and many more.
If the infestation gets severe, it starts to contaminate food and water sources, leading to a variety of pest-related illnesses. Here are a few:
Salmonellosis
This is one of the most common diseases brought by cockroaches. It is characterized by diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. People usually contract the disease through the ingestion of contaminated materials.
Experts note that most patients of salmonellosis get better within seven days. However, there are instances when medical attention is required. Especially if the patient is below ten years old or over sixty, symptoms could be more severe because of their weaker immune systems. Without medical help, the symptoms could lead to complications.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is another strand of the salmonella bacteria called the Salmonella typhi. It is a more serious illness than salmonellosis. The common symptoms of typhoid are very high fevers, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, and vomiting. If you experience the symptoms, avoid assuming that you contracted the common flu. If complications arise, it will be harder to cure the disease and kill the bacteria.
This is the reason why experts dissuade people from self-diagnosing. It’s always best to consult a professional for whatever symptom you experience. This way, experts can assess the problem accurately and take the necessary measures to avoid complications. With quick interventions, the symptoms could subside within 3 to 5 days. But if complications arise, and no medical help is provided, it could lead to death.
Cholera
According to the World Health Organization, this disease affects over 4.3 million people each year. It is responsible for 142,000 deaths. According to medical experts, the symptoms of cholera can remain dormant for weeks or months. Sometimes, the only time that symptoms arise is during complications. In this case, the victim will have had severe dehydration by the time professionals tend to his needs.
This illness is one of the reasons why people are required to visit their healthcare providers regularly. This way, experts can readily assess underlying and asymptomatic illnesses in the body.
E. Coli Infections
Some E. coli bacteria aid in the functioning of the stomach. However, some strands poorly affect the health of anyone who contracts it. Usually, the E. coli bacteria that cause food poisoning are brought by cockroaches to households. If they contaminate the food and water sources of a family, they are prone to contracting the disease. The symptoms of E. coli infections include but are not limited to vomiting, fever, nausea, and muscle pains.
Contact your healthcare provider for over-the-counter medications to alleviate the symptoms and kill the harmful bacteria inside your gut.
Now that you know how harmful cockroaches can be, it’s time to learn how to eliminate them. But first, you need to get acquainted with the signs of cockroach infestations:
Signs & Locations of Cockroach Infestations
Not only do these signs show you have pest infestations, but they also give you an idea about their population and nesting areas. If you keep a close eye on your belongings, you can detect where you can concentrate strategies for pest control:
Presence of Cockroaches
This is the most obvious sign of an infestation. If you see some running around the house, don’t take it lightly. Even if you see only one roach in the kitchen, it could multiply to hundreds within weeks. As much as possible, take the necessary steps to control their population before it’s too late. Better yet, check your compartments for any adult roaches. This can give you an idea of where they established their habitat.
Ootheca Inside Your Cabinets & Compartments
Ootheca refers to the capsule-like covering or shell that female cockroaches lay. This consists of 6 to 50 cockroach eggs. According to experts, most cockroaches prefer nesting inside unused cabinets and compartments.
Take a minute to open these spaces and check your belongings for any ootheca. You will see them latched onto the fabric of your clothing and sheets. Sometimes, you can see them on your book covers and stored papers. If the cockroaches detect that you don’t use those compartments regularly, it’s their chance to lay their eggs and reproduce.
If you don’t eliminate these oothecae, your compartments will be infested by tiny cockroaches at the end of the week. Who knows how many more female cockroaches are present inside your home? If I were you, I would regularly check my stored belongings for any sign of roach infestation. This way, I can apply pest control measures as soon as possible.
Cockroach Excrement
Cockroach excrements are small, round, black specks. You can often see these inside your compartments, unused cabinets, boxes, and containers. The amount of excrement you see gives you a rough estimation of the severity of the infestation. This also indicates where cockroach activity is at its peak.
Foul Odor In Your Surroundings
If you observe an unusual smell, it could be from the vomit and excrement of roaches. You can smell these under your floorboards or on the cracks and crevices of your walls. Sometimes, you can also smell this in your attic and the basement. If you follow your senses, you can detect where they hide so you can focus your pest control methods in these areas.
DIY Methods of Pest Control
Did you see roaches and ootheca around? Don’t fret! I’m going to tell you some of the most recommended methods of pest control. Experts note that you need to apply these regularly to eliminate the cockroach population for good. Without further ado, here are the topmost methods for cockroach control:
Low-Impact Insecticides
While it is an effective way to eliminate pests, it poses hazards to its users. The World Health Organization warns consumers to limit the use of insecticides to severe infestations. If people can settle on baits and traps, do so for the protection of the environment and living beings residing in it.
Insecticides have very poor aims. Not only does it eliminate pests but also the beneficial insects around it. This disrupts the normal cycle in the ecosystem, affecting crops, water sources, and wildlife.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is one of the most cost-effective measures for pest management. This white powder destroys the exoskeleton of cockroaches, dehydrating them from the outside. The best part is, that this is affordable and easy to use. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of Diatomaceous earth on your compartments, floors, and shelves. Spread it thinly using a piece of cloth. Replace this powder every two days for optimal results.
Essential Oils
Researchers have found that cockroaches are allergic to essential oils such as lavender, geranium, nasturtium, and mint. While these induce meditative effects on human beings, they cause frolic and confusion to pests. Simply combine essential oils with water and spray them on the affected areas. Be applied when the scent has faded away.
Effective Housekeeping Methods
This is the most obvious way to manage the population of cockroaches. If you maintain a clean house, you eradicate everything that attracts pests including food crumbs, excess moisture, and clutter.
Calling a Professional
If infestations persist despite your efforts to eliminate them, call a professional to do it for you. Go-Forth Home Services uses highly effective methods for pest control. With one quick call, they will initiate an initial probe and assessment of the entire perimeter of your home. This way, they can determine the type of infestation and the location of these pesky creatures.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable pest control service, contact Go-Forth Home Services. Rated A++ by its customers, the company prides itself on using safe and effective methods for extermination. They offer a quick and thorough service to eliminate pests as early as possible. To save time, effort, and money from DIY methods, contact these experts to provide the ultimate pest protection strategies that will last a lifetime.
What are you waiting for? Call now and get your quote!