Everyone cringes when they read about their favorite restaurant being closed down by health inspectors because of cockroaches. The thought of these prehistoric beetles crawling around your home sends a shiver down your spine that shakes you to the core. Businesses are not the only ones who have to combat these pests. While they might prefer the great outdoors, the American cockroach has no problem visiting your home... if invited.
What Does An American Cockroach Look Like?
The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches. They have a reddish-brown greasy-looking color with a yellow band outlining the back of their head. Both males and females have wings allowing them to fly short distances. Cockroaches have a wide, oval-shaped body with long antennae and omit a strong oily odor. While the American cockroach does have the ability to bite, it is rare. If bitten, it should not be a problem unless it gets infected.
Signs That Your Salt Lake City Residence Has An American Cockroach Problem
Residents must be on their toes to catch these critters taking up residence. Identifying a potential infestation problem is the first step in eradicating these pests from your dwelling.
Signs to be on the lookout for are as follows:
- Insects that zip from a room searching for a dark area to hide.
- Droppings (in dim areas) that are blunt on the end with ridges on the sides (sometimes mistaken for mouse droppings).
- Egg capsules (about 8mm long and dark-colored) can often be found glued on surfaces close to food sources.
- Large infestations often give off a musty smell that permeates a room.
Why Your Property May Attract Cockroaches
American cockroaches are typically found in sewers and drains. Generally, they prefer warm, moist, and dark environments. Outdoor delicacies include decaying leaves, fungi, and small insects. Drastic temperature changes or lack of food will cause them to enter a residence or business. Cockroaches can hitch a ride indoors on humans, through sewers, under doors, and through basement windows and garages. After accessing your property, they usually make their way to the kitchen looking for food crumbs under appliances, in drains, behind kitchen cabinets, and on the floor. They will also search for food and water in bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.
Dangers Associated With American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are filthy! They pick up germs on their body as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage. When they make contact with food or cooking surfaces, they transfer their germs. Cockroaches have been known to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria. Allergens can be found in their saliva, urine, and droppings; this can lead to allergic reactions and asthma attacks, particularly in children.
6 Steps To Mitigate Your Cockroach Problem
Property owners are not without recourse when trying to combat these filthy pests. There are multiple steps residents can take to prevent cockroach problems.
The steps are as follows:
1. Create barriers for cockroaches by sealing small cracks (with a silicone-based caulk) in walls, gaps near electrical sockets and switch plates, and up through drains.
2. Keep counters, sinks, tables, and floors free of clutter and crumbs.
3. Clean dirty dishes quickly.
4. Clean up kitchen spills immediately.
5. Store food in airtight containers.
6. Remove pet food after consumption.
White Knight Pest Control is ready to “ride to the rescue.” We offer annual pest control programs to help maintain a pest-free environment. Our motto at White Knight Pest Control is, “If the pest doesn’t rest, neither will we.” Let us help you rest easy in your Salt Lake City property. Reach out to us today to learn more!