While the sight of a cockroach scurrying across your floor can send chills down your spine, one cockroach is not necessarily a sign that you have an infestation of these pesky creatures. It is, however, reason enough to take some measures to eradicate any possible cockroaches taking refuge in your home since cockroaches are social creatures and can reproduce quickly. Acting in a timely manner can reduce your chances of developing an infestation.
Dangers of Cockroaches
One of the main reasons you should be concerned about seeing cockroaches in your home is that they are known to cause several health concerns. They carry and spread diseases that can lead to cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery and diarrhea. Cockroaches also trigger extreme symptoms in those with asthma, especially young children and the elderly. The creatures also scavenger in dirty places such as sewers and trash, spreading bacteria and germs as they move from place to place. Because these pests pose such a risk, cockroach control is important for the health of your family and community as a whole.
Prevent a Cockroach Infestation in Your Home
Cockroaches enter your home because they are seeking shelter, food or water. In order to prevent an infestation, it’s important to cut off the creatures access to these basic modes of survival.
- Seal up all cracks and crevices around the foundation, exterior and interior of the home. Keep food in sealed containers.
- Regularly clean pet food bowls and put away at night.
- Clean up food and spills quickly.
- Remove garbage regularly and quickly. Keep garbage in sealed containers until it can be removed from your property.
- Keep exterior and interior of home clutter free so cockroaches cannot hide in these places.
- Regularly check any places that can produce moisture such as leaky faucets, under refrigerators or near air conditioners.
- Maintain a clean home.
By taking these measures, cockroaches will likely look elsewhere for easy access to the essentials they desperately need for survival.
What do I do if I find a cockroach?
If you spot one of these in your home, the first thing you should do is an inspection to determine if more cockroaches are lurking. These insects like to hide in corners and crevices, so it’s a good idea to check around these areas or in cluttered piles around your home. Because cockroaches need food for survival, you should also check in areas where food is stored or eaten.
Next, spray your home to kill cockroaches that may be hidden in places you can’t see. Purchasing an insecticide that is formulated to target cockroaches can be a quick and affordable step to take in efforts to reduce insect activity in your home. If you suspect you have a larger problem or want an expert approach to pest control, a professional pest control company can devise a plan that is custom to your home and the needs of your family. Whether you have one cockroach or many, our experts at Target Pest Control provide safe and effective treatments for your home to eradicate every cockroach and prevent an infestation.
