The Dangers Cockroaches Can Bring To Your Bay Area Home

Did you know that cockroaches can be found in nearly two-thirds of American homes? Odds are, your Bay Area home is (or will be) one of them. While cockroaches are often associated with poor housekeeping and hygiene, the truth is, these scavengers can survive just about anywhere.

Most of us feel a gut-reaction of disgust towards cockroaches, and rightfully so. These bugs aren’t just creepy and gross; they can compromise our health. It’s important to understand the dangers of cockroaches and to take action at the first sign of roaches in your home.

Bay Area Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a common invader of Bay Area homes and businesses, but not all cockroaches are the same. In fact, there are over 4,000 species of cockroaches in the world. Luckily, California is home to just a handful of these species.

Here are the main types of cockroach you are likely to come across in the Bay Area:

• American Cockroach - Reddish-brown and growing to over two inches in length, the American cockroach is the largest species found in the United States. It is also known as the Bombay canary and palmetto bug.
• German Cockroach - Measuring about ½ - ⅝ inches long, German cockroaches have two dark stripes across their light-brown bodies. They are the most prevalent type of cockroach in the world.
• Oriental Cockroach - Shiny black and about one inch in length, the Oriental cockroach is also known as the black beetle cockroach or water bug. It is drawn to damp environments and is not able to fly.
• Brown-Banded Cockroach - Named for the pair of light-brown bands on their darker bodies, brown-banded cockroaches are very small, measuring no more than ½ inch long.

What You Need To Know About Cockroaches

Clean Homes Aren’t Immune To Cockroaches

Contrary to popular belief, cockroaches don’t just infest “dirty” homes and businesses. Dirtier homes will be more hospitable to roaches, as there may be more food particles and sticky surfaces for roaches to snack on. However, these hardy insects can survive on very little food and will find a way to survive in just about any house or building, no matter how well-maintained. Even if you scrub your entire home daily, it will not necessarily be safe from cockroaches.

Cockroaches Are Dangerous

The most important thing to remember about cockroaches is that they are potentially hazardous to your health. Cockroaches are known to live in storm drains and sewers, where they crawl through filth and pick up bacteria and pathogens.

When they come into your home, they transfer whatever they have picked up onto your floors, counters, and even your food. This can expose you and your family to diseases such as E. coli, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, and cholera. Cockroaches can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks through their discarded skin, droppings, urine, saliva, and carcasses.

How To Prevent Cockroaches

As you now know, a clean home doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have a cockroach problem. Cockroaches are challenging to deter, but there are still things you can and should do to make your home less attractive to them.

Here are a few ways you can help prevent cockroaches on your property:

• Keep cockroaches from entering in the first place by sealing any cracks, holes, or gaps on the exterior of your home.
• Install mesh screens over vents and drains in your home.
• Cockroaches are attracted to moisture - address any moisture issues by using dehumidifiers, repairing pipes, and keeping gutters in good condition.
• Reduce access to food sources by storing food in sealed containers, cleaning up crumbs and spills, and storing trash properly.
• Clean up any debris in your yard and trim shrubbery near your home’s foundation.
• Never leave pet food sitting out.
• Vacuum carpets and rugs at least once every week.

Following these prevention tips can help reduce your chances of a cockroach infestation, but in some cases, cockroaches will be all but impossible to keep away. If you notice cockroaches on your property, call a professional pest control company for assistance.

Professional Cockroach Control In The Bay Area

Unfortunately, a cockroach infestation is very difficult to handle on your own. Cockroaches are persistent, elusive, and hardy insects that are tricky to deter, find, and kill. Without professional intervention, it is unlikely that you will be able to eliminate the entire cockroach population from your home.

For the most effective cockroach control in the Bay Area, reach out to the experts at Bay Pest Solution. We have over 40 years of experience in the pest control industry and always put our customers first. All of our services are guaranteed, and we provide unlimited follow-up visits to ensure your complete satisfaction. If you have discovered cockroaches in your Bay Area home, contact Bay Pest Solution for effective cockroach treatment today.