If you've ever had an encounter with a cockroach, then you probably understand the meaning of "making a quick exit." Whether it was you or, more likely, the roach, someone made a quick exit. It is amazing how much of a quick exit a roach can make if you surprise it by turning on a light. They zip across the counter (or the wall--or ceiling) and then vanish, as if by magic. Where did it go? It can be very disturbing, very disturbing indeed.
The Problem Is, It Isn't Really Gone?
If you are seeing a roach, or two--or more--chances are there are hundreds and maybe thousands, living within your wall voids, and in cracks and crevices throughout your home. The fact is, the more roaches there are hidden in your home, the more chances there are that some of them will venture out. And cockroaches multiply quickly, so a few can turn into an infestation fast.
Why Is This A Problem?
- Cockroaches are vectors for disease: According to the CDC and WHO, there are 33 kinds of bacteria that cockroaches help spread. Two of these bacteria are E. coli and salmonella. When cockroaches bring filth in from outside (or inside) garbage containers, sewers, and other bacteria-laden places, they carry these pathogens on their bodies and deposit them onto food prep surfaces, dishes, or anywhere else they roam. This increases the likelihood of diseases or illnesses occurring in your home.
- Asthma sufferers can experience more when cockroaches are around. Studies show that shed skins, saliva, and feces from roaches increase asthmatic symptoms. Children with asthma, in homes where there are cockroaches, are more likely to need to go to the hospital than children in homes where there are no roaches.
- Cockroaches, if hungry enough, will bite humans. If populations are allowed to grow in your home, and food sources for those roaches become scarce, cockroaches are more likely to venture out and nibble on eyelashes, fingernails and dead skin on hands and feet (generally of sleeping people) before actually biting. When they do decide to bite, these bites can cause lesions and swelling or general skin irritation.
How Can You Get Rid Of Roaches On Your Own?
While there are a number of things you can try to eradicate cockroaches from your home, ultimately, professional help is the only way to be sure they are all gone. Sealing up your home will do nothing if cockroaches are already inside. And though thoroughly cleaning and sealing all food items inside sealed containers may help the problem, it won't eliminate an infestation.
If you see one cockroach, there are likely hundreds or thousands more hiding just out of sight. Here at Big Blue Bug Solutions, we have been eliminating cockroaches from New England homes for more than 80 years. If you need help with these filthy, disease-causing bugs, reach out to us today.