No one wants cockroaches in their home, but they show up anyway. Unfortunately, they bring several problems for homeowners in Maryland.
The common species of cockroaches in Maryland include the American cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach. Each poses human health issues and potential damage to your home.
The Cockroach Problem
Cockroaches feed on dead animals, rotten food, feces, and other bacteria-laden material. They spread disease and damage areas in and around homes and offices. Once they enter a home, they spread bacteria as they crawl over surfaces. Kitchens, basements, and bathrooms are common transmission areas.
If you have cockroaches hiding in your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, you may have dangerous pathogens in your home. All too often, cockroaches bring more than pathogens. They also bring other parasites and attract more unwanted pests into your home.
Along with spreading bacteria, they also destroy items in the home. They feed on the glue in book bindings. Crumbs, soap, and toothpaste also attract them. Any sweet items in cabinets, especially those under sinks, attract cockroaches who feed on the tempting items. They then breed and leave their egg sacs to hatch in these safe spaces.
Cockroaches may carry dysentery, diarrhea, and typhoid fever. They can also bring more dangerous pathogens like E.coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus.
Children living in urban areas often have cockroach allergies. Asthma in children also increases with cockroach exposure, especially in inner cities. With so many potential diseases and pathogens coming from cockroaches, homeowners need to do what they can to prevent cockroaches from moving into their homes.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches need very little space to move into homes. They crawl through foundation cracks and broken window screens, wall cracks, or vents. You can also carry cockroaches inside when you bring cardboard boxes, paper grocery bags, and firewood into your home.
Once they find their way inside, they move into dark, damp, and warm locations like your bathroom, basement, laundry room, and crawlspace. They also like to make their homes under appliances and inside cabinets, especially if water leaks from pipes.
If you have cockroaches, you might see them if you turn on the lights during the night. They often scatter back to their hiding places. If you don’t see live roaches, you might notice droppings, egg casings, skin sheds, or a musky odor.
Cockroach Prevention
You can help prevent cockroaches from infesting your home. The first step is to keep your home clean, especially under appliances and in cabinets. Fix leaks, remove clutter, and tightly close pet food containers. You can also remove moisture and humidity with dehumidifiers placed around your home.
You can also prevent cockroaches from being approaching your home in the first place. Keep your exterior garbage cans several feet away from your home. Keep your garbage lids tightly closed as well. Do not store them in your garage or anywhere near your exterior doors, vents, or windows.
Fight Cockroach Infestations with Phenom Pest Protection
Let the pest control experts at Phenom Pest Protection help you prevent cockroach infestations in Maryland. We provide the most effective pest control protection by delivering customized, guaranteed solutions. If you want to say goodbye to cockroaches with our effective pest control service, call us today!
