A cockroach infestation can make you feel dirty and uneasy in your own home. You might be wondering how to identify a cockroach infestation and how to keep them out.
A few common signs of cockroaches in your home are:
- Egg Capsules
- Shed wings or body parts
- A strong, pungent smell
- Cockroach damages
- Seeing cockroaches
Full-blown infestations are difficult to deal with. Stay one step ahead of a cockroach infestation by noticing signs of cockroaches and contacting professionals when you need assistance in extermination.
What Type of Cockroaches Are in My Home?
There are four types of cockroaches that might enter your home.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the most common species.
These roaches are about 1 ½ to 2 inches long. They have a dark, reddish-brown shell color and a figure 8 on the back of their head.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
These roaches prefer warm and dry environments. They will often burrow in your electronics and walls.
They are about a half-inch long and are dark brown with light yellow bands around their abdomen.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is another common roach. They usually live in warm, humid places where food is easily accessible.
Kitchens are the favored environment for these roaches. They are about ½ inch to ⅝ inch in size and have two dark parallel stripes on their back.
Oriental Cockroach
The oriental cockroach is also known as a waterbug. They live in damp areas and are about ¾ inch to 1 and ¼ inch long. Their shells are a shiny dark brown or black.
What Are Cockroaches Looking For?
Cockroaches look for three main things when they invade a space:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
As long as they find what they are looking for, they will enter your Prosper home. Even if your home is clean, roaches will still invade.
Food
Cockroaches are omnivores, so there is not a specific type of food that you should avoid. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs on the floor, or pet food out.
Water
Water is crucial for all living things, including roaches. Leaky pipes, leaky faucets, open showers, and pet water bowls are perfect water sources for cockroaches.
Shelter
Depending on the species of cockroach, they may prefer humid climates or dry climates. It’s next to impossible to eliminate shelter options for roaches in your home, but you can try to mitigate an infestation by eliminating moisture in the air and keeping an eye on dark and forgotten areas.
How Do Cockroaches Enter My Home?
Cockroaches mainly enter through cracks in windows and doors. The second most common entry point is through vents and pipes.
Install new weather strips and door sweeps to prevent entry. You can also fix holes with a caulking gun to fill the cracks and prevent roaches from getting inside.
Roaches latch on to furniture and burrow inside items like couches and chairs. Be sure to inspect any item you bring into your home for pests.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
Preventing cockroaches is challenging in a naturally warm and humid climate.
Here are a few tips to aid in prevention:
- Dispose of old boxes and packages
- Keep your home clutter-free
- Seal off possible entry points
- Deal with excess moisture and eliminate water sources
- Get rid of food sources for roaches
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
There are chemical options and natural options available to eliminate cockroaches. You may wish to try different ones separately, or use a combination of approaches.
Natural Options:
- Baking soda
- Boric acid
- Borax
- Citrus
- Diatomaceous earth
- Essential oils
Conventional Methods:
- Glue traps
- Bait stations
- Caulk off access points
- Liquid roach deterrent concentrate
- Get help from pest control professionals
Expert Cockroach Management
From targeting a current cockroach infestation to preventing another one in the future, Stampede Pest Control delivers effective and long-lasting expert cockroach management services. Speak to us today to get started!
I called for annual pest service on a newly purchased home. They responded quickly and their prices were very competitive. They communicated when they would be out, they were on time (the owner came out) and very thorough. He explained everything he would do and guaranteed their work. I look forward to a pest free home. I certainly recommend Stampede Pest Control.