As much as people may think they’d know if pests were in their house, the ugly truth is that infestations aren’t always obvious until they’ve grown in size. That’s why it’s important to learn how to spot the earliest signs of invasive pests like cockroaches, so you can act before they get out of hand.
Cockroaches Don’t Just Wander Around, They Hide
When it comes to nasty pests like cockroaches, keeping them out is no simple task. These insects can flatten their bodies to fit through almost any opening and they can survive on remarkably little in terms of food. Every human property provides them with the things they need to survive, so it’s mostly a matter of how easy it is for them to gain access and find places to nest. While cockroaches can crawl around anywhere, they tend to avoid the light and hide in tight spaces throughout a structure. Within walls and vents, under floorboards, and in basements or crawl spaces -- all of these are common hiding places for cockroaches. Unless you’re actively checking all these areas and doing everything you can to prevent cockroaches, there’s a likelihood that your home will fall victim to an infestation. No one should assume that they don’t have a pest problem just because they’ve never noticed one.
Signs Of Cockroach Activity
Because they are so good at hiding themselves, you really have to know how to spot the byproducts of cockroach activity. Often, these things are the first and only sign that homeowners get:
- Stains: Cockroaches have oily bodies that leave brownish streaks on surfaces. Their urine and feces also leave stains behind.
- Odors: Their droppings aren’t just nasty to look at, they’re nasty to smell, too. The filth caused by cockroaches can quickly produce foul odors.
- Eggs: Cockroach eggs are dark brown and appear like peppery flakes, typically hidden in their nesting grounds. That means spotting eggs isn’t assured, either, but these eggs nonetheless are a sign of cockroach infestations.
- Skins: As cockroach nymphs mature, they outgrow their exoskeletons and must shed their skins. You may find these discarded shells around your home.
Cockroach Dangers & Why They’re Tough To Remove
These outward signs aren’t even the problematic part of a cockroach infestation. The real danger is in the bacteria and viruses that cockroaches can transmit to people and pets. From salmonella to plague, cockroaches are known carriers of some nasty illnesses. These can be spread to people through direct contact or from surfaces that cockroaches crawled over. To make matters worse, cockroaches aren’t easy to get rid of once they’ve moved in. Not only do they hunker down in tough-to-reach areas of your home, but many cockroaches have also developed resistance to common pesticides. As soon as you notice the signs of an infestation, it's important to contact pest control experts.
The Best Thing To Do Is Call The Pros
With such dangerous and difficult to eliminate pests, you want to use every tool at your disposal to keep them out of your home. The best, most effective tool for cockroach prevention is assistance from local Tampa professionals. At Bold Servicing, we can inspect your home inside and out for signs of cockroaches or factors that might attract them. This not only provides you with peace of mind that a problem isn’t growing without your knowledge, but it’s also the best way to catch an infestation before it grows into a real problem. Our treatments are guaranteed to eliminate cockroaches quickly and, more importantly, keep them from invading again. Don’t waste time with over-the-counter sprays or other control methods. For protection, you can rely on, contact Bold Servicing today.