Cockroaches are unwelcome guests, but the more you know about them, the more you understand why you should fight a cockroach infestation in your Worcester home. Here are five interesting facts about cockroaches.
Three different species of cockroach are found in the Worcester area: American, German, and Oriental.
- German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species in the U.S. One reason they are so prevalent might be that they are also the fastest-reproducing roach.
- The American cockroach likes its food to be fermented, which is one reason they are found on garbage.
- Oriental cockroaches are sometimes called waterbugs.
All cockroaches can bite, but they rarely bite humans and the bite is typically only a problem if it gets infected.
Dangers Cockroaches Pose
While you don’t usually have to worry about cockroach bites, cockroaches present a danger to humans because they live in areas that harbor dangerous bacteria such as bathroom drains and dumpsters. They can carry the bacteria on their bodies and contaminate things when they touch food or kitchen surfaces. You don’t want to be exposed to the bacteria, because it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and fever. The bacteria may also transmit salmonella.
Additionally, roaches shed their skin and leave excrement behind. It doesn’t just sound unpleasant, it can cause asthma attacks in people who have certain allergies.
Preventing Roaches
There are a few steps you can take to make your home less appealing to cockroaches:
- Eliminate excessive moisture by repairing leaky pipes and running a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your foundation to keep the insects from entering your home.
- Keep food items in sealed containers so they are not accessible to cockroaches looking for a meal.
It’s difficult to eliminate roaches with DIY approaches because there are usually more roaches hiding in your home than you can reach to fight with sprays and other DIY products. The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to contact a professional pest control company, like Big Blue Bug Solutions.
Our trained professionals know how to spot cockroach hiding spaces and we have access to effective products to help you get rid of roaches in your home. Contact us today to find out about our residential and commercial pest control programs and say goodbye to your roach problem.