Cockroaches are a serious threat all year round but become especially problematic in summer when they become more active due weather being nice and warm and their populations being much higher. To make matters worse, we've had a very rainy spring this year, which has given cockroaches everything that they need to reproduce quickly. If you are seeing cockroaches in your home this summer season, there is one question you need to ask yourself: “What are you going to do about it?”
Despite what many homeowners believe, cockroaches aren't just disgusting nuisance pests; these pests present very serious health risks when inside homes. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), roaches are linked to the spread of 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms, and more than 7 other types of human pathogens! To add to the list of problems these pests can cause, their saliva, feces, and body parts increase allergies and asthma symptoms! If you see these disgusting, disease-spreading pests in your home, it is important to get them out as quickly as possible.
What You See:
When dealing with a cockroach infestation, there are certain signs you will see. The most apparent sign is seeing an actual, real-live cockroach skitter underneath one of your cabinets or scurry under your pantry door, but there are other signs to be on the lookout for as well, including finding their fecal matter around your home, especially in kitchen areas, and spelling an unpleasant, musty odor.
What You Don't See:
If you see one cockroach, however, it is probably only one of the thousands of roaches congregating in your walls! Cockroaches usually only come out at night. Each night, while you're sleeping, roaches could be out and about in your home spreading bacteria around your home, contaminating the food sources, eating away at the wallpaper on one of your basement walls, and even feeding on the remnants of the toothpaste on your toothbrush, all without you knowing; and then, when the sun comes up, they go back into hiding.
Every infestation is slightly different, but cockroaches always do the same things. These are dirty, sneaky insects that can plague a family with illness. If you see even one cockroach in your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional and take care of the problem.