Cockroaches are dirty insects known to spread many types of bacteria and diseases. Poorly sealed windows and doors are perhaps the most common way these pests can get in through your home.
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly, and a group of cockroaches, known as an intrusion, can cause significant trouble for homeowners.
Follow the tips below to prevent these pesky creatures from invading your Columbia home.
Identifying Common Cockroaches in Columbia
There are about 30 species of cockroaches around the world. However, the four most common species found in North America include:
American Cockroach
American cockroaches are the largest cockroaches. They are reddish-brown with a yellow or pale brown band on the pronotum directly behind their head.
Brown-banded Cockroach
These are the smallest species of cockroaches. They have a dark brown body with two light-colored stripes or bands running across their back.
German Cockroach
German cockroach color varies from light brown to tan with two parallel black bands running along the back.
Oriental Cockroach
Oriental Cockroaches have a shiny appearance and dark brown or jet-black coloration.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
The following are some telltale signs that may indicate a cockroach infestation:
Egg Casings
Cockroaches lay eggs in oval-shaped casings known as ootheca. They have a brown capsule-like shape and contain many eggs.
Cockroach Droppings
A large number of droppings or feces resembling coffee grounds, specks of pepper, or blackish brown pellets are an indication of a roach infestation.
Cockroaches Lurking Around, Especially at Night
Cockroaches hide in cracks during the daytime. If you spot cockroaches lurking around your home at night, you are likely dealing with an infestation.
Lingering Musty Odor
Cockroaches emit an unpleasant, oily, and musty odor that lingers and becomes increasingly intense as the infestation grows.
Shed Skin, Wings, and Other Roach Body Parts
Cockroaches shed their skin as they grow in size. If you find shed skin or discarded wings and legs, there are cockroaches in your home hiding out of sight.
Problems Caused by Cockroaches
While cockroaches are not aggressive creatures and don’t pose any immediate threat to humans, they may cause the following problems:
- Cockroaches transmit bacteria from their bodies and feces, which can contaminate food, utensils, or preparation surfaces. This can cause diseases like Salmonella, E. coli, and dysentery.
- Their feces, saliva, or other body parts can trigger asthma attacks, rashes, and allergies in humans and may pose a risk to the elderly or already ill.
- Their urine and excrement causes damage to valuable household items, which can be costly to repair.
Tips on How to Prevent Cockroaches
There are several effective prevention methods that keep roaches from entering your home. These include:
- Avoid taking in used furniture or electronics.
- Install door sweeps and window screens to eliminate access to your home.
- Maintain cleanliness inside your home. Vacuum regularly. Wipe down crumbs and spills on the floor or countertops.
- Deny easy access to food sources. Store all leftover food and pet food in airtight containers.
- Get rid of clutter, including storage boxes, old newspapers, old clothing, or other unused items.
- Keep garbage bins tightly sealed and cleaned.
How to Get Rid of Your Cockroach Problem
Cockroaches are difficult to eliminate. The best way to prevent an infestation is by adopting some preventive measures.
DIY methods and natural remedies are often ineffective, especially when dealing with a large infestation. It is best to call professional pest control to handle the job for the best results.
Got cockroaches? We can help you get rid of them. Call us today to schedule your inspection and eliminate the problem once and for all!
