Cockroaches are well known for liking to live in places that are filthy. However, they can even make places that are clean into a health hazard. Once they’re there, they can be nearly impossible to get rid of. You’ve heard the old saying about cockroaches being able to survive a global nuclear war. That’s because the grotesque villains are remarkably durable. A cockroach can survive without its head for an entire week. The cockroach will keep going until it eventually dies of starvation. When an infestation occurs, the dangers these pests produce are increased. Below, we’ll discuss those dangers.
Effects Of Cockroaches In The House
Things you probably do not want to know, but should: Cockroaches defecate and vomit on human food causing contamination. While this news alone is enough to make you sick to your stomach, cockroach feces has bacteria and parasites in it that can themselves be toxic. The very young and the very old are the most at-risk of this type of infection. Some of the bacteria, such as pseudomonas aeruginosa, are opportunistic infections that make those with weakened immune systems sick. Others, like the salmonella bacteria, cause a range of disorders from food poisoning to typhoid.
On top of those problems, those with sensitive allergies can find that the dust composed of cockroach carcasses extremely irritating. Roach husks are among the most common allergens reported.
Severe Infestations
Contrary to popular belief, cockroaches will eat humans while they’re still alive. Generally, however, if a human finds a cockroach on them, they’ll brush it off their body and try to crush it on the floor. However, individuals who are bedridden in unsanitary conditions may not even know they’re being eaten alive as it’s happening.
Typically, however, cockroaches leave humans alone. They recognize us as an external threat and run in a random direction when they are disturbed. Not the brightest of insects, cockroaches rely on the speed of their reproduction to durability to survive. When you see one cockroach in your home, you know that there are very likely more that you can’t see.
Living with cockroaches is not an option. Roaches are not smart enough to avoid human orifices. They will crawl into open human mouths, nostrils, and even ears.
Cockroach Control
Part of this process will require you to shore up any leaks in your home and transfer all of your food to plastic containers. The sense of doing this is to give the roaches an unsupportive terrain in which to live. They can easily get into boxes of cereal, and like many insects, respond well to moisture. Even pet food should be kept in a closed plastic container.
You will want to make sure that you wipe down all the countertops with cleaning liquid or bleach. Small particles of food that are too small for humans can provide sustenance for cockroaches. You will want to clean out your cabinets and lazy susans the same way. Just about any place where food can get to will need to be cleaned out. This includes appliances, floors, and garbage cans.
Leaky faucets and pipes will also need to be dealt with. You’ll want to make sure your sinks and bathtubs are completely dry and then plug the drains. Wet dishrags, towels, or sponges should be kept in airtight plastic containers so as not to make likely targets for roaches. You’ll want to check the drip tray under your refrigerator. If possible, empty water bowls for pets overnight or keep them outside. Keep toothbrushes in Ziploc baggies. Do your best to minimize the presence of moisture in your home.
Now the cockroaches are living in an inhospitable environment, your home is ready for pest control. Pointe Pest Control provides dependable cockroach extermination services to homes with an active infestation. This includes finding likely hiding spaces and poisoning them. We also have chemical pesticide that prevents the cockroaches from reproducing. The process includes using sprays or baits and then monitoring the situation and replacing the baits and respraying as needed.
Talk To A Top-Quality Pest Control Expert Today
If you’re having problems with roaches, you want to eliminate that problem as quickly as possible. Cockroaches are unsanitary and dangerous, especially to infants and elderly people. While they may not be easy to get rid of, using a multi-pronged approach that addresses the reasons why cockroaches are congregating in your home and then eliminating as many of them as you can is still the best option for dealing with them. Talk to Pointe Pest Control today for a free inspection.