There are 47 known species of cockroaches (Periplaneta), and the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) made its way to the U.S. and the Bay Area in the early 1600s. Since then, it has thrived and spread throughout this country and other parts of the world, mostly through drainage systems, steam tunnels, and sewers. One is more likely to find these formidable insects in large buildings, wherever there is food to be found. Cockroaches also live outdoors, where there is organic debris, trees, caves, and garbage facilities.
Bay Area cockroaches enjoy spending time in basements and sewers, near drains and pipes. They also search for food and water in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. They breed and multiply quickly, averaging about 200 to 300 eggs each year. These are deposited in hidden places where predators will be unable to find them. Opening up a kitchen cabinet and finding hundreds of hungry cockroaches is enough to make scare anyone half to death.
Are Cockroaches In The Bay Area Dangerous?
Cockroaches can be creepy-looking, but more importantly, they present significant health problems to humans and pets. Since they frequent places like Bay Area dumps and sewers, they come into contact with human waste and diseases. Studies have shown that American cockroaches have contained evidence of more than 20 kinds of pathogenic human viruses and bacteria, plus protozoans and fungi.
As they move from drains to sewers to buildings to homes, cockroaches feed on human food and feces, spreading these diseases as they travel. Not only that, these pests ruin food, fabrics, and other property. Cockroaches also discharge secretions from their glands and mouths, drop their own feces, and expel portions of partially digested food. They have an unmistakable, offensive smell.
Cockroach Identification
Here in the Bay Area, if you have cockroaches in your home, it will likely be one of the four following species:
- American cockroaches are the biggest kind of cockroaches found in houses and are reddish-brown with yellow “figure 8” patterns on their heads. They are most active when it is around 70°, but can also survive in lower temperatures.
- The German cockroach is more common than the American and is tan to light brown with two dark stripes and wings. They also prefer warmer temperatures.
- The Oriental cockroach is also large, with a deep reddish-brown or shiny black color. These insects are mostly found in the northern U.S.
- The brown-banded cockroach is smaller with banded wings and is known to hide eggs in and under furniture.
How to Prevent Cockroach Infestations In Your Bay Area Home
One of the best ways to keep cockroaches away is to keep your house clean and limit food and water access. Human and pet food and water should never be left out overnight; it is best to keep everything stored in insect-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Stains should be wiped up, dishes should be washed, and the trash should be taken out every day and put in closed containers. All debris and food should be vacuumed out of crevices and cracks, and it is also a good idea to repair leaky faucets and pipes.
Restricting entry points can also help. Caulk any cracks or other spaces that cockroaches could be used for access such as window sills, and use steel wool to fill in spots where electrical wiring and plumbing enter walls. You can also eliminate cockroach hiding spaces. They will congregate in cluttered areas, so get rid of old newspapers, boxes, and other messes that may attract them. This also holds true for Bay Area front and backyards – be sure to eliminate debris out there as well.
Getting Rid of Cockroaches
Even with all the preventative, proactive measures taken, Bay Area cockroaches can just keep coming back and spreading throughout your home. Some people have success using bait traps and sprays, but it can be a losing battle against these aggressive insects. Finding the right kind of insecticide is also difficult because not all of these work on cockroaches. Furthermore, there are also safety concerns when people do not know how to use them properly.
If you are tired of dealing with cockroaches and want them out of your home, contact Bay Pest Solution for total cockroach elimination. These insects are highly adaptable and know how to survive, but the Bay Pest Solution experts understand their behavior patterns and will remove them from your home and prevent them from ever coming back. Call us today for a free estimate.