Cockroaches are a year-round problem for many homeowners in Florida. These tiny insects can sneak into your home, where they can contaminate your food and home with various harmful bacteria and diseases. American cockroaches are the most common species homeowners in The Villages have to deal with. Even though this is one of the largest species of cockroaches in this area, they are still small enough to invade your home without your knowledge.
At Bertram Pest Solutions, our experienced technicians have extensive training in cockroach removal and effective pest control in The Villages. We know the best way to get rid of these dangerous insects, and we know how to prevent them from infesting your property again.
Identifying American Cockroaches: Characteristics And Appearance
Despite their name, the American cockroach is not native to this country. They originated from Africa brought to America in the 1600s. This type of roach has a large and oval-shaped body that typically measures anywhere from 1 ¼ inches to 2 ? inches long. Their bodies are usually reddish-brown and have a yellow marking on the back of their head that looks like a figure-eight. The American cockroach also has six legs with tiny hairs that allow them to climb smooth, vertical surfaces. Adult American cockroaches have a pair of long wings and can fly. However, they can run incredibly fast and usually choose to run to their next destination.
These roaches are also able to reproduce quickly. The female cockroach lays a dark-brown egg sac called an ootheca containing about 15 to 20 eggs at once.
If you see a roach or sticky brown oothecae in your home, you should contact a cockroach removal technician quickly.
The Health Risks Of American Cockroaches: Allergies And Diseases
American cockroaches have tiny, spiky hairs covering their legs and bodies. The little hairs help them to climb steep, vertical surfaces. Unfortunately, there are a variety of harmful pathogens that can get stuck on these hairs. When the cockroach enters your home, the bacteria can fall off its body and land in your food, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces. They can also leave their urine and feces around your home, which can also spread dangerous pathogens.
Some of the diseases and illnesses these cockroaches can spread to you and your family include E. coli infections, salmonellosis, dysentery, typhoid fever, giardia, and cholera.
The droppings and saliva of the roaches can also cause allergy symptoms in some people. To reduce your chances of having asthma or allergy symptoms, you should thoroughly disinfect any surface that you see roaches around and call an experienced cockroach exterminator.
Preventing American Cockroaches: Proactive Household Measures
When our local cockroach control technicians inspect a home for American cockroaches, they usually find them in the bathroom, drains, basement, and other dark and most areas of a home.
Some things that homeowners can do to make their home seem less appealing to these roaches include:
- Don't leave food, food, containers, or food wrappers out in your home.
- Make sure to sweep and mop your floors often to eliminate any crumbs or food residue on your floors.
- Place a fan in your home's basement and other humid rooms to eliminate excess moisture.
These tips will reduce your chances of getting a cockroach infestation. However, the best way to keep roaches out of your home is to call an experienced cockroach exterminator.
Professional Cockroach Extermination: When To Call The Experts
Roaches can hide in areas of your home that can be difficult or impossible to access by yourself. At Bertram Pest Solutions, we provide expert pest control and know exactly what it will take to get rid of the roaches in your home. Reach out today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in The Villages.