December 20th, 2022
Cockroaches are hideous to look at creatures that can survive for up to three months without food and a month without water. On top of their uncanny ability to survive inhospitable conditions, they reproduce quickly. A single female can produce over 500 offspring in six months! It’s important to note that not only are roaches survivors, but they present a threat to people by spreading disease and triggering severe allergies.
In this blog, we’ll teach you how to identify cockroaches. We’ll also explain what dangers these pests present to you and your family and why they’re attracted to your home in the first place. If you do have a cockroach infestation, we’ll show you how Montgomery Exterminating can help you get rid of them for good and why you should call us for pest control in Tulsa.
How to Identify A Cockroach
In order to prevent the troubles that roaches present to us in our homes, you must know how to properly identify what a cockroach is and how to know that you have a roach infestation.
Cockroaches in Tulsa are nocturnal pests that tend to hide in remote areas of the home, so you may not see the actual pests. However, if you do see a bug that you think might be amassive cockroach, be on the lookout for the following roach traits:
- Flat, oval-shaped body
- Pair of antennae
- Six spiny legs
- Wings (though they rarely fly)
- Colors range from pale beige to dark brown
- Adults range from an inch to an inch and a half
You may very well have a roach problem and not actually observe the cockroach itself. Not only are cockroaches nocturnal, but they tend to inhabit remote parts of the house so they can remain undisturbed. Even if you do not see cockroaches, you may have a problem with these pests if you find shed skins, eggs, droppings, or small bite marks on items.
Why Cockroaches In Your Home Is A Health Hazard
Cockroaches are not simply nuisance pests. They present severe risks to people, primarily encompassing the spread of diseases and triggering allergic reactions.
Cockroaches can cause asthma and allergies to flare and may present the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Red, itchy eyes
- Skin irritation
While cockroaches are not known to bite, they can easily spread diseases, bacteria, and viruses. They can scratch you with their spiny cockroach legs, which often are dripping with bacteria. Alarmingly, you need not come into contact with roaches in order to contract one of the diseases they can carry. The organic matter they leave behind, like droppings and molten skin, can transmit a number of the following illnesses:
- Dysentery
- Cholera
- Leprosy
- Plague
- Salmonellosis
- Listeriosis
- Typhoid Fever
- Gastroenteritis
The diseases that cockroaches spread can endanger you and your loved ones. The symptoms of these diseases can range from mild to severe, the latter of which can cause hospitalizations. The symptoms of illnesses caused by cockroaches can vary wildly and are unpredictable. If you suspect a cockroach infestation in your Tulsa home, don’t take a chance; call Montgomery Exterminating today.
Factors That Attract Cockroaches Into Your Home
Cockroaches find their way into your home for food and shelter. They get into your house through access points that you may have no idea even exist. Once in your home, they nestle into secluded, dark, damp areas – the damper, the better. Cockroaches are attracted to your home for the following reasons:
- Crumbs
- Pet food
- Garbage
- Moisture
- Strong odors
- Cardboard boxes or debris
Eliminating the above appealing factors minimizes the attractiveness of your home to roaches.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Cockroaches In Your Home
Roaches do not require much of a crack or opening to gain access to your house. In fact, even the smallest gap can serve as an entry point for these unwanted guests. As a result, any successful cockroach extermination plan begins with understanding how to deter cockroaches in the following ways:
- Replace broken window screens.
- Plug holes in the foundation.
- Repair siding as needed.
- Fill gaps where plumbing and electrical wiring enter your home.
In addition to removing entry points, it is helpful to reduce their access to food and dampness in the following ways:
- Repair leaky pipes.
- Keep food in airtight containers.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Maintain an orderly, clutter-free home.
- Clean pet food bowl and dishes regularly.
If you already have a cockroach problem, you’ll also need professional help to remediate the infestation immediately before real harm occurs. Montgomery Exterminating offers year-round cockroach control solutions in Tulsa for you. Call us to schedule your first appointment. Proper roach pest control begins with ensuring that your home’s exterior does not allow pests to enter. Our experience tells us that if your exterior is secure, your interior will not have a problem. If you are already dealing with a roach problem, we are well-equipped to handle it inside the home. In addition to securing the perimeter, we will place bait for and exterminate the roaches completely and schedule follow-up appointments to properly monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.
