Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in Tampa. Unfortunately, not only are they one of the dirtiest pests, but they’re also one of the most resilient and are known to adapt to a myriad of conditions to survive. Cockroach resiliency is what’s kept the species alive for an astonishing 300 million years! Unsurprisingly, cockroaches are also one of the oldest insects, and not only do they exist in all 50 states, but they also live everywhere else in the world - except for Antarctica.
There are several cockroach species in Tampa, including the American cockroach, the Florida woods cockroach, the smoky brown cockroach, the Australian cockroach, the German cockroach, and the Asian cockroach. Read on for more about the dangers of having cockroaches in your home and tips on preventing a future infestation.
Dangers Of Having Cockroaches In Your Home
Most people understand that cockroaches are gross, but they don’t genuinely grasp how disgusting and dangerous they are. Cockroaches gravitate to places that are breeding grounds for bacteria and pathogens. When they invade homes, they carry these microbes in with them, exposing homeowners to sickness and disease.
Cockroaches like to hide and breed in dark, damp areas, such as behind, underneath, and even inside appliances, like sinks, stoves, refrigerators, and underneath floor drains.
One of the ways that cockroaches survive is because they eat everything - truly, everything. Cockroaches will consume anything digestible by humans. They most prefer greasy, buttery foods, meats, sweets, and starch, including bread, cereal, and beer. Cockroaches will also eat things humans don’t. Their ability to digest cellulose, for instance, is why they can eat paper products, such as books, cardboard, notebooks, magazines, and newspapers, as well as the glue stamps and wallpaper, for some species.
The American cockroach, specifically, feeds on decaying organic matter. In nature, this consists of fallen twigs and branches, as well as putrefying leaves, but in homes, they’ll feed on human hair, fingernails, and fallen flakes of skin. All cockroaches feed on dead insects and trash, and many species also consume the feces of other roaches and animals. Depending on the species of cockroach that’s invading your home, cockroaches can be contaminating your home with bacteria from one or more of these sources and on repeat occasions.
Tips On Preventing Cockroaches
If you suspect you may have a cockroach infestation, the safest and most effective point of action is to call the professionals. The longer cockroaches invade your home, the greater risk there is for them to transmit disease-causing bacteria to you and your family. However, there are some preventative measures you can take to deter them from returning in the future.
Keep surfaces clean and put food away: This includes pet food that’s typically left out overnight.
Identify points of entry: Include cracks in the foundation or exterior-facing walls, in and around doors, damaged window screens, and make necessary repairs.
Properly store food and trash: Food that is not refrigerated should be sealed and stored in airtight compartments. If possible, garbage should be stored in airtight trash bins and kept outside or away from the home.
Fix leaky plumbing: Cockroaches need a high amount of moisture to survive. Identifying and repairing plumbing and drainage issues will help to deter them.
Call In The Professionals
The professionals at Bold Servicing offer residential pest control services that target roach infestations and other common household pests. The products we use are family-friendly and pet-friendly. For total cockroach elimination, call Bold Servicing today.