Cockroaches are without a doubt one of the nastiest pests you can deal with around your Portland, Maine home. While you’ve likely heard that cockroaches are an unclean pest, they are actually even dirtier and more dangerous than many know.
For one thing, cockroaches are highly invasive. They can slip inside even tiny holes and cracks in the walls and foundation, and some can even enter a building through drains. They are common invaders of both residential and commercial properties, and once inside, they are difficult to remove because they reproduce quickly and are resistant to many pesticides.
In this guide, you’ll discover why cockroaches are such a problem and get helpful information on how to keep your home safe from cockroach activity.
What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
All cockroaches have long, oval-shaped bodies and wings that lie flat on their backs. They all also have six legs and a pair of antennae, but the individual characteristics can vary depending on the species.
The most common cockroach in Portland and across the country is the German cockroach. They are a tan color with two black stripes that run behind their heads.
While not the most prevalent, another common species is the American cockroach. They are the largest in the United States and can grow up to three inches long. These roaches are a reddish-brown color and have a greasy sheen to their bodies.
Lastly, the Oriental cockroach can be identified by its jet black coloration and because they look similar to a beetle. This is why it’s sometimes known as the black beetle or water beetle, although it’s just another cockroach species.
Do Cockroaches Only Invade Dirty Homes?
Because many people associate cockroaches with filth, it’s easy to assume that cockroaches only invade cluttered or dirty houses. But, this isn’t the case. Cockroaches aren’t a sign of poor hygiene or housekeeping at all as cockroaches can invade almost any building.
Cockroaches prefer cluttered places with access to many food sources, but they can still survive off almost nothing. They also aren’t picky about what they will eat as they consume everything from pet food to crumbs to proteins and more.
Why Are Cockroaches Especially Dangerous?
The reason cockroaches are so dangerous is because they will often spend time around decaying or rotting items such as garbage, toilets, sewage, and even rotting carcasses. They have small spines on their lines that allow them to pick up pathogens and then spread them around to any surface they come into contact with, and they often thrive inside kitchens near food sources.
Because of this, cockroaches can spread illnesses such as salmonella, gastroenteritis, and cholera. They can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Can You Remove Cockroaches On Your Own?
Unfortunately, cockroaches are one of the most difficult pests to remove using DIY methods. They can hide in many tiny areas that you’ll never see, and they can also survive many over-the-counter products. Because of this, trying to remove them on your own is usually a waste of time and money. It can also be potentially dangerous as some products contain dangerous chemicals that shouldn’t be used unless you have the right experience and protective gear.
Instead, let the experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions remove these invasive and harmful pests. We can eradicate the entire infestation effectively and keep them from coming back. Just contact us today to request your free inspection.