There are many pests that you might have to deal with in your Tulsa home, but some of the most disgusting are cockroaches. These pests have a bad reputation, and this reputation is definitely earned. These hardy bugs are difficult to get rid of, and as they make themselves comfortable in your Tulsa home, they spread disease and bacteria in their wake. Even worse, these prehistoric insects are resistant to traditional extermination methods making them difficult to eliminate.
While cockroaches are a problem because they are to hard to get rid of, the real problem with them is that they can spread many different pathogens. Since they prefer moist areas and are attracted to different kinds of food, they can get into your cupboards, sinks, foods, and more. While there are many different species of cockroaches in Tulsa, it’s good to have a general idea of what they look like. They are usually reddish-brown with flat, oval bodies and long, skinny antennae. They vary slightly in size and color from species to species; some are darker and larger than others.
How Do Cockroaches Spread Disease?
Cockroaches thrive in filth. Their favorite things to eat are rotting foods as well as animal and human waste.
Cockroaches wander through and pick up pathogens from trash cans, dumpsters, compost piles, dumps, sewers, and other filthy places. They can then bring these disease-causing organisms into homes. Since they are attracted to moisture-rich areas, they are most likely to be found in bathrooms and kitchens where they can contaminate countertops, pantry areas, foods, toothbrushes, and more. In many cases, cockroaches can start to spread disease pathogens around your home before you even notice them.
Cockroaches pose many health risks to people, such as:
- They can spread over thirty different diseases including some that are quite serious.
- Some of the illnesses they carry include salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, gastroenteritis, leprosy, and even plague.
- They can contaminate food and food preparation surfaces with germs and pathogens. This is especially a problem as they are often found in kitchens.
- They can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people, and even the discarded skins and egg casings they leave behind can trigger allergies.
How To Prevent Cockroaches
If you see one cockroach, you might think it’s not a big deal, but it’s very rare for there to only be one cockroach in a home. If you see one, there are likely hundreds more hiding just out of sight. Signs of a cockroach infestation include:
- Brown, irregular smear marks
- Finding their discarded skins
- Small brown droppings
- A musty smell
If you haven’t noticed any signs of cockroaches yet, prevention steps can go a long way to keeping them out of your Tulsa home. Here are some prevention tips:
- Don’t leave out pet food.
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets to address moisture problems.
- Fix holes and tears in screens.
- Clean up food crumbs and spills.
- Put weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Keep your house clean and vacuum often.
Dealing With Cockroach Infestations
If you’ve noticed signs of cockroaches in your Tulsa home, you don’t want to put you and your family’s health at risk. The best way to eliminate them is to contact the professionals at Montgomery Exterminating. We have been protecting homes in the area from cockroaches and other pests for over 25 years. Give us a call to learn more.
