Cockroaches spread over 33 diseases, so it’s no surprise that homeowners don’t want to see these filthy insects. They show up in areas that collect dirt, like trash cans, countertops, and cabinets.
Fortunately, Baltimore homeowners can prevent cockroaches from taking up residence in their homes by taking just a few simple precautions.
Common Cockroaches in Baltimore
There are three common species of cockroaches in Baltimore: German, Oriental, and American.
German cockroaches are very common all over the United States. These roaches have a tan shell and are usually an inch or shorter in length. German cockroaches reproduce faster than other species, so get rid of them as soon as you notice them.
Oriental cockroaches also show up in Baltimore homes. These roaches are around an inch long, and they have a shiny dark brown or black colored shell. American cockroaches are also larger than German cockroaches, usually measuring between 1¼ inch to 2¼ inches in length. They are reddish-brown, but they have a distinct figure-eight design on their upper backs.
Risks From Cockroaches
In addition to being creepy crawly insects, cockroaches are dangerous. They carry salmonella, E.coli, and other harmful viruses and bacteria that can get into food and water.
Cockroaches tend to congregate in areas where food spills. They often get into food containers and contaminate food sources for people and pets. They can also damage carpets and flooring.
Many people also have allergies to cockroaches and their droppings. Asthma may also accompany these allergies and may lead to severe asthmatic reactions that result in hospitalization.
Researchers have found that early exposure to cockroaches and their droppings has a connection to respiratory distress in young children. It shows that some preschool-age children develop asthma after exposure to cockroach allergens.
What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home?
Cockroaches find places to live based on their basic needs: food, water, and shelter. They look for places to hide, so they tend to scurry away when people move accumulated clutter. They also like to have a regular water source, which is why they hide under leaking sinks in kitchens and near pipes in basements.
If your home has crumbs on the floors and countertops, cockroaches will find them. You might also attract roaches if you have overloaded trash bins in your garage or outside your home.
The best way to prevent cockroaches from entering your home is to keep it clean and free of crumbs. Clean under your refrigerator, check your plumbing, and don’t keep uncovered food in your cabinets.
Cockroach Prevention Tips for Baltimore Homeowners
Before you start cleaning, close off cracks and crevices that could lead to your home. Replace any broken weatherstripping around doors and windows. You should also add door sweeps to discourage insects from entering under the door.
You can prevent roaches from inhabiting your basement by reducing moisture. Use dehumidifiers to keep your basement dry. Check your basement plumbing and immediately repair any leaks.
Store your trash outdoors in bins with tight lids, and empty the bins at least once per week.
You can avoid inviting roaches into your kitchen by cleaning your dirty dishes after you eat. Also, avoid letting dirty dishes pile up around the sink. Cleaning up spills right away also prevents roaches from finding your kitchen.
Roaches will also enter your sink if there is food sitting in the basin and the drain. If your sink is clogged, clear it out with a drain cleaner and regularly run your disposal.
Finally, you can keep roaches away by keeping your home free of clutter. Pay extra attention to your cabinets and cupboards and deep clean them on a regular schedule. Always store your food in sealable containers.
Expert Cockroach Control and Prevention in Baltimore
It’s crucial to take these precautions to avoid attracting cockroaches to your home. If you’re already dealing with an infestation, contact local pest control professionals. They’ll have the knowledge and experience required to deal with these issues properly.
If you’ve found cockroaches in your Baltimore home, the experts at Phenom Pest Protection can help you get rid of them. Call the experts at Phenom Pest Control today to learn more about our solutions for roach infestations.
