Cockroaches are the scourge of homeowners all over the world. While we might like to kid ourselves that they only infest dirty homes in third world countries, the truth is that they will invade homes of all kinds. Only by learning how infestations start and, more importantly, what you can do about them, can you guarantee that cockroaches will never get inside your own home.
Spotting Cockroaches Isn’t Easy
By their nature, cockroaches are tough to spot. They like to hide in dark, moist places and they avoid light and people vehemently. They know that they are unwelcome, so they will skitter out of view in the split second it takes for a door to open or for a light to turn on. Truth is, you’re far more likely to see the side effects of a cockroach infestation than you are to actually spot a cockroach. Instead of focusing on the traits that separate one kind of roach from another, focus your attention on inspecting your property for other telltale signs of infestation.
Other Signs Of Roach Activity
Because they are so good at hiding, you’ll need to keep an eye out for ancillary signs of cockroach activity. These include:
- Droppings: Cockroaches leave urine and feces behind wherever they go, resulting in peppery droppings and yellow stains.
- Skin sheds: As cockroaches grow in size, they shed their old skins. You may notice these clear or yellowed skins discarded around your home.
- Odor: The other sure sign of cockroaches is the musty odor that can fill your home, especially since they like to nest inside of walls and vents.
- Other pests: One pest infestation often begets another, meaning that the pests that hunt cockroaches as food will also be attracted by their presence. If you notice many spiders around suddenly, this can be a sign of existing pests.
Dangers Of An Infestation
The reason spotting the signs is so crucial is that cockroaches aren’t just gross, they are dangerous. From diseases they’re known to spread to the damage they can cause, roaches in your home can only lead to bad things. Here are some of the serious dangers they can pose:
- Damage: Cockroaches not only leave streaks and stains behind, but they will also chew through materials like wall insulation, wallpaper, and other materials. Anything they might possibly be able to eat or otherwise clear from their nesting grounds.
- Disease: Cockroaches carry and spread diseases, like salmonella and plague, to both pets and people.
- Allergies: A cockroach’s body acts like a magnet for dust and dander, which is why they can contribute to allergies and worsen respiratory issues in people with sensitivities.
- Proliferation: Cockroaches lay dozens of eggs at a time, meaning a small infestation can quickly grow into a huge problem.
The Best Thing To Do Is Call The Pros
With such common invaders of homes, the best course of action for cockroach control is to turn to experts for guidance and assistance. At White Knight Pest Control, our trained staff can walk you through even more tips on how to prevent cockroaches and protect your home. Let us get started on an inspection of your property today, checking for any signs of cockroach activity and addressing them before the problem has a chance to grow. Rather than waste time on-at-home methods that might not even work, turn to the proven solutions of pest professionals to make sure that cockroaches never move in -- and that they are removed quickly if they already have.
Avoid the serious problems that cockroaches bring to your home by partnering with White Knight Pest Control today.