Cockroaches. We all experience the same shiver that runs down our spines at the thought of this particular creepy-crawly. Switching on the lights of our home, only to see a handful of insects scurrying away to hide in the corners and crevices, is enough to make anyone squeamish. While we can definitely all agree that cockroaches are disgusting and a general nuisance, did you know that these pests actually pose a potentially serious threat to our health?
Over 60 pathogenic bacteria, fungi, molds, parasitic worms, and viruses can be found in cockroaches, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. As cockroaches move about, they pick up said bacteria and pathogens. While cockroaches do not transmit diseases directly, as they crawl around the areas where humans live or where they handle and consume food, they shed these harmful bacteria and infect humans indirectly that way.
Common Area Cockroach Species
Here in Mooresville, NC, three different types of cockroaches try to take up residence in our homes.
- American Cockroach: The most common kind of roach is the American cockroach. They are the largest species and can grow up to 3 inches long. They are characterized by having long wings, and both males and females occasionally use them to fly. They prefer to live in warm, humid climates, leaving homes in Mooresville, NC, in a particularly high-risk zone for potential infestations.
- German Cockroach: Another common kind of cockroach is the German cockroach. These bugs are typically tan or light brown, with horizontal white stripes. While these winged cockroaches rarely fly, this species is the most likely to invade your home; they are most likely to be found squeezing into tight spaces or hiding out in your food pantry and cabinets.
- Brown-Banded Cockroach: This bug has, you guessed it, unique banding patterns displayed across its wings. This type is much smaller than the species mentioned above, only growing up to half an inch in length. They are also most likely to be found in woodpiles and old stumps in your yard.
Unfortunately for us, cockroaches are ridiculously resilient. Not only are salmonella strains transmitted by cockroaches much harder to treat, but the roaches themselves are also becoming more and more resistant to pesticides. This makes them one of the most challenging pests to eliminate from your Mooresville home. Once you have noticed the signs of a cockroach infestation (maybe you have seen egg capsules or droppings that resemble pepper kernels), Lake Norman Home Services is on standby, ready, and awaiting your call!
Tips for Cockroach Prevention
When dealing with pests, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some tips to help keep cockroaches out of your Mooresville home:
- Caulk any gaps around windows and doors.
- Fix leaky pipes to avoid moisture and humidity build-up.
- Remove trash immediately
- Store your food in air-tight containers
Our technicians will provide you with more tips and tricks once they have treated your home for the underlying infestation and help assure you they will not take up residence again.
Partner With the Experts at Lake Norman Home Services
Your home should always be the place where you feel safest and healthiest, even more so during these unprecedented times. Lake Norman Home Services in Mooresville has fifty years of pest control experience and is your local go-to in times of pest control crisis. If you have noticed droppings, eggs, or an unpleasant odor, or have seen these insects in your home, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We will promptly provide you with a free quote and work with you to secure your home and exterminate the roaches.
Your home is your castle -- let us help you defend it! Reach out to the experts at Lake Norman Home Services today to learn more about our year-round pest control plans!