If there's one pest that'll put a Mooresville homeowner on edge, it's the cockroach. Unfortunately, cockroaches are pests that many of us will have to deal with at some point. Cockroaches may be common, but that doesn't make handling a roach infestation any easier when it happens to you. And unfortunately, these creepy, unsanitary insects are not only repulsive, they can also be dangerous.
Cockroaches can cause plenty of problems, but is there a trick to getting rid of them? Here's what Mooresville residents should know about the kinds of cockroaches you may deal with, how they spread dangerous bacteria around, the best way to get rid of cockroaches, and how pest control in Mooresville can help.
Identifying Cockroaches In Mooresville
If you've never seen a cockroach before, consider yourself lucky. Most of us have had our fair share of run-ins with these nasty bugs. Cockroaches are typically brown, oval-shaped insects with flat bodies. They have long antennae and six legs. Depending on the species and the age of the roach, they can be anywhere from half an inch to over two inches long.
Cockroaches can also be identified by their behaviors. They are nocturnal insects, typically only venturing out at night. They are also light-averse, so when you switch on the lights, they will usually quickly scuttle away. Cockroaches are excellent hiders and often lurk under appliances, furniture, and in small crevices. Roaches are also incredibly fast, making them extremely difficult to catch and kill. They also have flexible exoskeletons that enable them to flatten their bodies, which is why they can disappear into the tiniest spaces.
If you are seeing flat, brown, fast-moving bugs around your home, especially at night, there is a good chance that they are roaches. Next up, we'll explore some of the different types of cockroaches that call Mooresville home.
Types Of Roaches That Commonly Invade Mooresville Homes
Cockroaches all have a few characteristics in common, but their appearance and behaviors can differ depending on the species. When it comes to roaches, there are a few main types of cockroaches you may find in your Mooresville home, including:
- German cockroaches: German cockroaches are the most common type of roach to invade American homes, and you can usually identify them by their small size and the two dark stripes that run down their bodies, starting at the back of their heads.
- American cockroaches: American cockroaches not only grow over two inches in length, but they also have a figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads, making them easier to spot.
- Oriental cockroaches: The coloring of an oriental cockroach tends to be darker and glossier than other species, and you're more likely to find these roaches in dark, damp places.
- Brown-banded cockroaches: Brown-banded cockroaches get their name from the dark bands that run across their body. While they prefer the outdoors, they can sometimes venture inside.
- Wood cockroaches: Wood cockroaches are another type of roach that tend to live outdoors or in the woods but can still accidentally end up in homes.
Whether you have German, American, oriental, or brown-banded cockroaches, they are all unwelcome visitors in your home. No matter what type of cockroaches have made their way inside your house, they can cause problems for you and your family. In addition to being able to identify the cockroaches themselves, it is helpful to know other signs of a cockroach infestation, so that you can take action as soon as possible. More on this in the next section.
Typical Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation
Obviously, seeing a live cockroach is a surefire sign of a cockroach problem in your home. The only problem is, cockroaches are very clever at staying out of sight, often only venturing out late at night. This can make it difficult to detect cockroaches in your home. However, cockroaches leave behind other indications that can alert you to their presence. Here are some signs of cockroaches in your Mooresville home:
- Cockroach egg capsules. These are small, brown pods, often found stuck to surfaces.
- Cockroach droppings. These may look like small pellets or black specks, depending on the species.
- A musty smell. Cockroaches produce a pheromone that has a musty odor.
- Shed exoskeletons. You may find cockroach shed skins scattered around your house.
If you notice any of these signs or see the cockroaches themselves, it is time to call a professional. Unfortunately, cockroaches will not go away on their own, and the infestation will only worsen without effective cockroach control methods. Cockroach control in Mooresville is important, not just for your peace of mind, but because having cockroaches in your home is potentially hazardous to your health.
How Cockroaches Spread Around Dangerous Pathogens
Are cockroaches dangerous? Yes, cockroaches can be dangerous if they infest your home. Nobody wants to share their living space with a pest, but the concerns about cockroaches go beyond them being a nuisance. Cockroaches can be a health concern too.
Roaches spend a lot of time in sewers, drains, and other unsanitary places where they may pick up bacteria or pathogens. If they infest your home, cockroaches can carry these pathogens and contaminate your home. When they crawl across counters, tables, or other surfaces where you prepare or eat food, that bacteria gets left behind – and it can end up on your hands or in your food. Cockroaches are extremely unsanitary pests, known to spread dozens of types of bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. These pathogens can make you and your family extremely ill.
Another major health concern for cockroaches has to do with their saliva and discarded skin. The shed skin, saliva, and droppings of cockroaches contain an enzyme that can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in certain people, especially young children. With larger infestations, these symptoms can get worse, and those that are affected may feel like they have a harder time breathing, have watery eyes, or have a runny nose whenever they're in the infested area.
Due to the potential for food contamination, disease spread, and allergic reactions, it is in your best interest to get rid of cockroaches as soon as possible. Next up, learn the best way to eliminate cockroaches in Mooresville.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Roaches In Your Home Fast
When faced with a cockroach infestation, you have two options: attempt to handle it yourself or call in the professionals. It may be tempting to go the DIY route; you probably figure it will save you some money. Plus, the internet is full of home remedies for cockroach control. Unfortunately, as many homeowners eventually realize, these do-it-yourself solutions are rarely effective at treating cockroach infestations. Chances are, you will not be able to eliminate every roach in your home, and more will follow.
Because do-it-yourself treatments may be ineffective and even toxic for your pets or family, there's only one foolproof way to completely get rid of cockroaches in Mooresville, and that's by contacting the professionals at Lake Norman Pest Control.
With years of experience, we've dealt with every kind of cockroach you may encounter in Mooresville homes – from unsanitary German roaches to large, intimidating American cockroaches. Don't wait any longer if you think you may have a cockroach problem in your home or you're not sure how to keep them away. Call us today at Lake Norman Pest Control to learn more about how our cockroach control services can help you.
Helpful Tips To Prevent Future Cockroach Infestations
While you should use professional pest control treatment to deal with existing cockroach infestations, there are ways to prevent these pests from coming back, such as:
- Using airtight containers or sealed packaging to store your food products, and making sure you're not leaving food sitting out.
- Not leaving dirty dishes sitting in the sink overnight, as these dishes can have food particles that cockroaches may feed on.
- Regularly emptying your garbage can before it gets too full, and making sure you're keeping a sealed lid on it.
- Using caulk, foam, or another type of sealant to cover up any tiny cracks and crevices around your home, which cockroaches may use to get inside.
- Decluttering your home frequently and getting rid of cardboard and paper, which cockroaches may try to use as hiding spots.
- Reducing moisture, as moisture and water can be a big attraction for many roach species. Addressing moisture and humidity issues in a timely manner is crucial.
Keeping your home sealed, clean, tidy, and dry can all help keep cockroaches away, but sometimes these sneaky bugs will establish themselves despite your best efforts. If cockroaches become a problem in the future, you know who to call – Lake Norman Pest Control.
