The weather is getting warmer outside and bugs are starting to crawl out of the woodwork. This time of year, as we come out of hibernation ourselves, it’s smart to think about pest proofing as part of our household spring cleaning. Why? Bugs are a nuisance. And as if that wasn’t reason enough, add all the property damage, health risks and sanitation issues they cause.
There’s one insect in particular that is a known offender of all of these things…
THE COCKROACH…DUN DUN DUNNNNN!!!!
(I’m using the least disgusting photos I possibly can because roaches creep me out and I don’t want them to creep you out too! LOL)
Here are some quick roach facts:
- The German cockroach is the most common species of roach
- Light brown to tan in color with two dark parallel lines behind their heads
- Reproduce faster than any other roach species
- 1/2-5/8″ in length depending on lifecycle stage
- Nocturnal, but can be seen during the day if the infestation is bad enough
- Will eat almost ANYTHING, including soap, glue, toothpaste, paint, and each other
- Really good at hitchhiking on backpacks, in grocery bags, cardboard boxes, second hand furniture and appliances, etc.
- Prefer to live in warm, humid places near water and food, which is why you’ll see them in kitchens and bathrooms most of the time
Are Roaches really a health threat?
They’re not just creepy. They can harm you. The roach is known to spread 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They can pick up germs on the sharp looking spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces in your home.
In recent years, several large-scale studies funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have reinforced the dangerous connection between cockroaches and asthma in children. NIEHS reported that one in five children in the United States have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens, which can cause or increase the severity of asthma symptoms. These allergens are most commonly introduced into homes through cockroach saliva, droppings and the decomposing bodies of these pests.
Roaches and Asthma
“The presence of cockroaches in the home poses a severe risk to health, especially as an asthma trigger in children,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Homeowners should feel confident in contacting a licensed pest professional as their services have shown to be most effective in reducing cockroach populations. The professional treatment of cockroach infestations will ultimately reduce the number of allergens that can exacerbate a child’s asthma.”
Homeowners must be vigilant in preventing such infestations, especially during the summer months. Cockroaches are most active when temperatures reach 70 degrees or above and these pests thrive in warm, dark and moist places.
How to get rid of roaches
The absolute necessary key to getting rid of roaches in the house is to practice sanitation. Remember, these things reproduce rapidly. In order to beat them and kill off their population, you can’t just clean the house once and hope they’ll go away. It’s going to take diligence, even if you hire roach exterminators Michigan City Indiana.
NPMA offers homeowners these tips to protect their families and properties from cockroach infestations:
- Keep food sealed and stored properly, particularly in kitchens.
- Clean kitchens daily, where crumbs and trash are more likely to build up. Don’t forget to clean under the stove and fridge!
- Wash the floors regularly with a good, strong household product.
- Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
- Seal cracks and holes in homes, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
- Keep basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
- Contact a qualified pest professional to treat any infestations, like Franklin roach exterminators Michigan City Indiana!
