Cockroaches, by far, are the ickiest creatures you can have at home. Apart from their unsanitary nature, they are uneasy to the eyes. They don’t have any regard for personal space. Cockroaches crawl whenever and wherever they want to. They fly towards people unexpectedly, which causes frolic in homes and establishments. You cannot deny that most of you experienced this–cockroaches feeling like butterflies in the air.
Many people find this scenario hilarious. Little do they know the psychological effects of the situation. Yes, cockroaches can cause anxiety disorders, particularly pest-associated phobia. This specific phobia is called Katsaridaphobia.
Katsaridaphobia is a disorder characterized by an extreme and irrational fear of cockroaches and other similar creatures. It causes panic attacks, disruption of activities, loss of interest, sometimes depression. Katsaridaphobia is common during late childhood to early adulthood. It can be developed through an unprecedented and terrifying experience with a cockroach.
If your home is infested, there are a variety of situations where your family experiences misfortunes with this pest. The most common cockroach activities that induce Katsaridaphobia are as follows: a cockroach crawling over children as they sleep; roaches stuck inside children’s clothing; roaches flying towards children; and, getting stuck with a cockroach inside a small closet.
According to psychologists, parents should avoid using cockroaches to threaten their children to eat their vegetables or do their homework. Knowing how imaginative young people are, their brains can play games with the images that the parents portray. As time passes by, their fear of these creatures grows stronger. Soon enough, they experience nightmares and night terrors which eventually leads to phobia.
Another way that you can prevent this disease is to eliminate cockroaches in the household. This prevents the children from encountering any misfortunate event with cockroaches. Before we get into the most effective methods to eliminate cockroaches, let us discuss some of the most interesting facts about them. These will give you insights on the proper ways to get rid of them.
Facts About Cockroaches
Cockroaches Are Fast-Moving Creatures
Did you know that a cockroach can walk up to 3 miles an hour? For an insect, this is record-breaking. Have you tried chasing a cockroach with a broom or a slipper to catch it? If you did, you know how fast they can run. To some of you who have problems in shifting to rapid movement, chasing roaches on your own might not be a splendid idea. It could lead to accidents and torn muscles. If I were you, I’d look for another method to eliminate cockroaches without rapid shifts of movement. Some of which will be discussed later.
Cockroaches Spread A Variety Of Bacteria In The Household
This is not a surprise since these creatures crawl all over the dirtiest places on Earth. Did you know that these creatures play a role in transmitting the following diseases: salmonella, Amoebiasis, E. coli infections, dysentery, leprosy, and many more?
I’m sure you have heard about these diseases. You also know that some of these are fatal especially without medical intervention. The most common disease that cockroaches transmit is Salmonellosis, Amoebiasis, and E.coli infection. All of which are detrimental to the digestive tract. If you experience diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pains, and lethargy, you must have contracted these diseases. Don’t worry, most patients recover within seven days.
However, if the patient is below 10 years old or above 60, they might need serious medical intervention because they have weaker immune systems. Without help, they could contract fatal complications. Experts dissuade their patients from self-diagnosing. It’s always best to consult an expert if you feel any of the symptoms. This way, they can tend to your needs effectively to ease the symptoms and get rid of the bacteria.
Cockroaches Are Hydrophilic
Being hydrophilic means being water-loving. You cannot live without water per se. Ironic as it sounds, this is true to cockroaches. Most of us believe that flushing them down the drain or the toilet will instantly kill them. In fact, these creatures can hold their breath for at least 30 minutes. This is more than enough time to get to solid ground. Not only did you give them access to their home, but you also set them free to reproduce. For all you know, they could come back stronger.
Cockroaches Can Live Without Their Heads
Not every pest has this ability. Most of us have tried cutting the heads of cockroaches and think it has already killed them. However, scientists have proven that cockroaches can live for more than a week without their heads. Unlike most insects, cockroaches do not rely on their head for respiration. They have holes all over their bodies which can cater to their oxygen needs. If roaches can live for several days without its head, imagine it crawling directionless. How many more bacteria can it spread? The worst part is, it doesn’t have any idea what it’s doing or where it’s running into.
Cockroaches May Be The Most Durable Creatures You Will Ever Encounter
Did you know that cockroaches can build immunity or tolerance to pesticides? Scientists have proven that repeated exposure to chemicals made them adapt to its contents. This is the reason experts dissuade consumers from using pesticides repeatedly against cockroaches. For one, there is no assurance that this will work. Secondly, it could only harm the people around you, especially if you do not understand how to use it properly. It is recommended to call Go-Forth Home Services's Winston-Salem exterminators to have a simple solution for your roach problem.
Another fact that makes them durable is their ability to live off of debris. A recent study has proven that cockroaches can survive a nuclear attack. They can feed on rocks and debris when necessary. They do not rely on food crumbs or food stains alone. Some people believe that eliminating all food sources will get rid of cockroaches in the household. However, this is not the only reason they infest establishments. They need warmth, shelter, and moisture. Unless you eliminate everything that attracts them, you will still see cockroaches infesting your home.
People recommend using do-it-yourself procedures to eliminate cockroaches. As appealing as this sounds, it does not work for everybody. Some infestations are worse. DIY’s cannot cut it. This is the reason you need experts who can provide professional solutions for exterminating pests. If you see signs of cockroach infestations, you can reach them immediately to perform an initial probe of your home.
How To Prepare For A Pest Control Service
Once it is found that you need premium methods for pest control, the professionals will ask you to prepare for extermination. Here are some of their common advice:
- Seal cracks and crevices. Before the pest control procedures, you need to seal every crack and crevice you see on your walls and floorboards where cockroaches can enter. This way, you can prevent other cockroaches from getting inside. Plus, the exterminators can eliminate the existing roaches inside your house without letting them escape.
- Conduct a general cleaning. Cleaning your home does not only include sweeping and vacuuming the floors. You need to eliminate the clutter that can hamper the professionals from doing their job. When your home is filled with scattered accessories, it makes it difficult for professionals to lay the traps. This deems some procedures to fail. So, to enhance the effectiveness of their methods, organize your home, box-in every clutter, and toss out every garbage.
- Store essentials in secure containers. The essentials include your food, utensils, dishware, clothing, and mattress. Before the extermination process, you need to store these in secure containers where fumes and residue cannot reach. This is for your protection against allergies and other pesticide-related illnesses.
- Secure Breakables. Another tip to prepare for the procedure is to store your breakables someplace else. You want the professionals to focus on the cockroaches they want to eradicate. If your home is filled with breakables, it takes time to dodge them and steer clear away from them. This limits the movements of the professionals.
Procedures Used By Professionals To Eradicate Roaches
On the day of the extermination process, you need to be acquainted with their procedures. Typically, these are the common methods done by exterminators to eliminate roaches:
Gel Baits
This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of cockroaches. These comprise various insecticides that come in handy syringes. Exterminators will apply slight amounts of this gel near the nests of the cockroaches. As the creatures pass near it, the roaches are enticed to feed on the gel and will die in a few minutes.
Fumigation
Although this is not recommended by health care officials, they allow exterminators to use this in extreme Infestations. Not only will this eliminate cockroaches but also ants, bedbugs, fleas, and many more. Indoxacarb This is a form of insecticide effective for cockroach elimination. It works as effectively as gel baits. The best part is, the chemical can still spread through the feces and remains of the dead roach. This affects other insects that will feed on its carcasses.
Hydramethylnon
Once eaten by the roaches, it damages their metabolic processes, reducing the energy of the pest until it dies.
There you have it!
These are the methods professionals use to eliminate cockroaches in homes and establishments. Seeing how damaging and disturbing these pests are, it’s no surprise that most people in North Carolina have Go-Forth Home Services on their speed dial. Whenever they experience cockroach infestations, they will have the service of the company with one quick call. For a pest-free lifestyle, contact the professionals and have your free quote.