Cockroaches have a reputation for being one of the most disgusting pests that can infest your home. They are also known for being resilient and for finding their way into all types of properties. The threat that cockroaches pose goes beyond simply grossing you out. Roaches are a real threat to the people in your home. Understanding why they are a threat, what attracts them, and how to kill them are all important if you want to keep cockroaches out of your home.
Why are cockroaches a threat?
Cockroaches are a threat because they can contaminate surfaces, food, and cause problems for people with respiratory issues. Cockroaches crawl through some disgusting places such as sewer pipes. The body and legs of a cockroach pick up dangerous bacteria as they crawl through those spaces. When a cockroach crawls across your counter or gets into your food it can transfer some of that bacteria. That leaves your family at risk for ingesting bacteria that can lead to a number of serious issues. Cockroaches can also be a threat after they are dead. Cockroach carcasses can put contaminates in the air and cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
What attracts cockroaches?
Cockroaches are attracted to damp, dark places. They also look for places that have plenty of food that is easily accessible. If you have a leak under your bathroom sink, for example, you are providing a perfect home for cockroaches. Poorly closed food packages in your pantry, crumbs, and a full trashcan are all things that can draw cockroaches in as well. Promptly dealing with leaks and properly handling food storage and waste are all important steps if you want to have a cockroach-free home.
How can I kill cockroaches?
There are anecdotal stories about cockroaches being able to survive major blasts or perhaps an apocalyptic event. It is difficult to test these theories but the message is clear – cockroaches are great at surviving. The fact that cockroaches prefer dark places means that they are good at avoiding detection and DIY treatment efforts. If you want to be sure and completely eradicate cockroaches from your home the best option is to bring in professional help. A pest pro will know how to identify signs of roach activity and locate cockroach nests in order to completely eliminate them from your home. Spot treatment can kill of the roaches you see but more in-depth treatment is needed to eradicate an entire infestation. If you see a cockroach in your home it is highly likely that there are more roaches out of sight. You should take a cockroach infestation seriously because this pest is a real threat to humans. Do things right from the start and hire professional help to effectively kill the cockroaches in your home.
