Cockroaches are sneaky creatures that pose a severe threat to human health.
After crawling over diseased substances, cockroaches enter homes where they spread diseases like typhoid fever, dysentery, and salmonella. They also trigger serious asthma problems in children.
Cockroaches live all over the world, except for Antarctica, so there’s no avoiding them. Unfortunately, once they invade your home, they are difficult to remove without hiring a pest control specialist. The best way to prevent them from entering your home is to avoid leaving things out that attract them.
Common Cockroaches in Columbia, MD
There are several types of cockroaches all over Columbia, MD, but they all have similar needs. The most common cockroaches are American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), the brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa), German roaches (Blattella germanica), and the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis).
The easiest way to identify what cockroaches are in your home is to look at their sizes. German cockroaches are the most common, and they are one of the smallest species. They have brown stripes on their backs and partially transparent wings.
The brown-banded cockroaches are easy to identify because of their long antennae. They also have light-colored bands on their abdomen and back. The Oriental cockroach is dark and shiny. American roaches are the largest species and are reddish-brown with functional wings.
What Attracts Cockroaches to Your Home
Cockroaches gravitate to food and water sources that people unintentionally leave for them. For example, cockroaches are attracted to piles of dirty dishes because they get food and water in one location.
Cockroaches also love crumbs and spills left in homes. They will devour grease spills and pet food sitting in bowls on the floor. They may also make their way into exposed or uncovered garbage bins. Cockroaches also crawl up walls, into sinks, and under appliances.
If you have any standing water around your home, cockroaches are bound to drink from it. Dark, moist cabinets are ideal because they can hide and drink water simultaneously. Birdbaths and flower pots with standing water also attract cockroaches.
Humid and undisturbed areas attract cockroaches, too. They especially enjoy bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms.
Cockroaches enter homes through gaps, cracks, and openings in your doors, windows, dryer vents, foundation, and screens. They can fit through the tiniest of gaps, as small as 3 millimeters.
If you have landscaping and trash near your home, cockroaches might live there. Cockroaches enjoy compost piles and woodpiles. They also enjoy climbing in and out of trash bins and through the nearby mulch.
Cockroach Prevention Tips
To avoid a cockroach infestation, control access to your home and remove any attractants.
Removing excess moisture is vital to preventing an infestation. Repair damaged gutters to remove standing water from around their homes. They also need to use dehumidifiers in critical locations in their homes. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity and try to keep it under 50%.
You might also need to seal foundation cracks, repair screens, and install weatherstripping. Move compost piles and firewood several feet from your foundation, as well.
Take steps to minimize crumbs and food debris. Remove grease from your store and sweep your floors. Clean under your appliances regularly and. store leftover food in airtight containers to remove access to food sources.
The Best Solution for Your Cockroach Problem
Anyone who has had cockroaches in their home will agree that they are challenging to get rid of. While cleaning up the attractions and removing standing water helps, it won’t solve an existing infestation. Unfortunately, neither will commercial bug bombs.
The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to work with a pest control company that offers customizable solutions and safe products. The experts at Phenom Pests can take care of your cockroach infestation. Call us today for a free quote!
