Cockroach Identification & Prevention
Understanding Troublesome Cockroaches
Cockroaches are not pests you want scurrying around your property. The best way to get rid of a cockroach infestation is with assistance from a professional cockroach pest control company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cockroaches
What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are insects that belong to the scientific order of Blattodea. They have flat, typically oval-shaped bodies, six legs, and a pair of antennae, and some species have wings that enable them to fly for short distances. Cockroaches grow between 1/2 and 2 inches long depending on species, and their color typically ranges from light brown and tan to dark, reddish-brown, and black.
There are many types of cockroaches around today, but only a handful of species are known for the destruction they cause in human structures. Keep an eye out for American, German, oriental, and brown-banded cockroaches, as all of these species cause serious damage. Westfall's Lawn and Pest can help you with proper identification.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches are well-known as unhygienic pest invaders, and hosting infestations of roaches around your property can be dangerous. Cockroaches introduce several serious illnesses to properties while scavenging and tracking the bacteria and pathogens that cause salmonella, cholera, and dysentery across surfaces or food storage areas.
In addition to health risks, cockroaches also present allergy risks. The shed skins, egg cases, saliva, and droppings that they leave behind around properties are known for triggering asthma and breathing issues, and large infestations may contribute to serious allergic reactions.
Professional cockroach control is the best way to avoid these dangers.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
A cockroach problem on your property most likely occurs because your property has many of the factors on display that attract these pests. Easy access to food, water, and cluttered spaces indoors or outdoors for hiding are all major cockroach attractants.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Outside, cockroaches are most commonly found around piles of debris, near trash cans and compost piles, and hiding in spots that are cluttered, secluded, or moist. Once they infiltrate interior areas, cockroaches will gather in kitchens, bathrooms, food storage areas, trash cans, and other moist, damp hiding spots.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Get rid of cockroaches as fast as possible by contacting Westfall's Lawn and Pest. Our team will work with you to identify your major cockroach problem areas and eliminate the root cause of these pests, along with eradicating active cockroach infestations, so your property is safe in the long term from roach invaders. Contact us today for your free evaluation.
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
Prevent future cockroach problems by following our expert tips below that can help make your property less hospitable to this pest.
- Remove access to outdoor pet food and composting areas in addition to ensuring outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids that prevent scavenging.
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation of your property to stop cockroaches from slipping inside.
- Cockroach-proof your home by repairing window and door screens and adding weatherstripping where possible.
- Store all leftover food properly and never leave food and drink spills or dirty dishes, as the aroma of these items often attracts roaches.
- Declutter interior areas often and dispose of stacks of cardboard and plastic bags that might provide hiding spots for roaches.
Reach out to Westfall's Lawn and Pest the moment you suspect roaches are on your property for expert removal and further prevention advice.
