What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are one of the most common and significant pest species, and often find their way into our homes and businesses where they are both a nuisance and a danger. Cockroaches are medium-sized insects with oval-shaped bodies, long antennae, and six spine-covered legs that allow them to quickly travel from place to place. Many species, but not all, have wings, although cockroaches are not known for their great flying abilities.
Of the more than 4,000 species of cockroaches that live worldwide, only a small fraction are problematic for people. About 30 species of cockroaches have come to rely on people for some of their food and shelter needs. Some of the most common species of cockroaches living in our area of Nebraska are German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, smoky brown cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches are dangerous pests. They are adaptable creatures that are difficult to control and prevent. Cockroaches, living inside any home or business, pose many health risks. They are responsible for carrying and transmitting a variety of bacteria and infectious agents that make people ill. As they move around a home or business, they will spread pathogens and parasites to food, food prep areas, dishes, utensils, and surfaces. Their feces and shed skins can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks, especially true in young children.
In conjunction with the health risks, cockroaches also chew through or stain things like clothing, rugs, floors, upholstered furniture, and surfaces of your home with their feces.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches are resourceful and can find their way into homes and other structures in a variety of ways, which is one of the reasons they are so difficult to control. Cockroaches will move into homes by crawling through openings in its exterior, usually while foraging for food. They also hitchhike their way inside on people’s bags, suitcases, or in delivery boxes or used appliances or furniture. In apartment buildings or other multi-unit buildings, they are well-known for moving between units through walls or floors.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Cockroaches live in a variety of both indoor and outdoor environments, depending on the species:
- German cockroaches are a small species that have adapted to living indoors. They are common pests inside homes, restaurants, and other commercial properties where food is stored or prepared. They like to live in warm, humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
- American cockroaches are more of an outdoor pest, but often find their way inside while foraging for food. They are large species that enter into buildings at ground level. Inside, they live in kitchens, damp basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Outside, American cockroaches live happily in gardens, on trees, or under mulch.
- Oriental cockroaches prefer to live in very damp areas; in fact, they are often called “water bugs.” Outside, they live near sewers and drains and under piles of debris that trap moisture. Our home’s crawl spaces, damp basements, and areas under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms provide suitable living conditions for Oriental cockroaches.
- Smokey brown cockroaches live outside under leaf litter or mulch. Inside, they like to live in basements or ground-level kitchens and bathrooms.
- Brown-banded cockroaches differ from most species as they prefer warm, dry locations, rather than areas that are high in moisture. They are most active in temperatures that are above 80 degrees. Inside homes, they live in attics, behind walls voids, and in the upper parts of cabinets.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Get rid of cockroaches from your residential or commercial property with the help of the local experts at All Star Pest Control. We will eliminate cockroaches and other pests from your home or business and provide the follow-up services needed to prevent them from returning. We work closely with our customers to ensure that we meet all their pest control needs.
All Star Pest Control offers exceptional pest control services, using the most modern technology and products available. If you are ready to protect your Omaha, Nebraska home or business from pests, reach out to All Star Pest Control today. Our results are guaranteed!
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
The best way to prevent future problems with cockroaches is to partner with the professionals at All Star Pest Control. It is also important to implement the following prevention tips:
- Seal any entry points in your home’s exterior.
- Caulk cracks in the foundation, repair damaged screens, place covers over vents and drains, and keep windows and doors closed whenever possible.
- Reduce excess moisture by repairing leaky pipes and fixtures and making sure gutters are directing water away from the outside of your home.
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, and ventilate crawl spaces.
- Keep locking lids on trash cans and compost bins.
- Pick up uneaten pet food each evening and remove trash from your home daily.
- Wash dirty dishes daily, and store food in the fridge or airtight containers.
- Vacuum and wipe down counters to remove crumbs and other food debris.
- Inspect boxes, packages, used furniture, potted plants, and electronics for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.