Cockroaches are nocturnal, six-legged insects with a flat body often exceeding one inch in length that appears similar to a beetle. As with most pests, they will enter a home if they have access and can locate food, water, and a place to hide. They are generally attracted to areas of a home where food is, either prepared or stored. They are capable of transmitting bacteria that can contaminate food and items used to prepare food. Cockroaches promote diseases such as salmonella, typhoid, and hepatitis, which can then result in food poisoning and dysentery. They tend to leave stains on surfaces, create undesirable odors, and irritate those with allergies and asthma.
Primary Types Of Cockroaches In Southern California
German Cockroach
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health currently ranks the German cockroach as the most burdensome indoor variety. They are a light brown shade and tend to cluster together in large groups and reproduce quickly.
Brown-banded Cockroach
This type is more common in homes without air conditioning, as they prefer 80-degree temperatures. They tend to jump or fly when encountered. Females can produce hundreds of offspring each year.
Oriental Cockroach
They are typically a very dark brown or black color and prefer cool, dark, and damp environments. Within a home, they are most commonly seen in basements, near drains, and leaking pipes.
American Cockroach
They are a red or brown color and often measure two inches. They prefer warm temperatures and commonly are found in pantry areas where food is stored.
Signs That Cockroaches Have Infested Your Home
During the daytime hours cockroaches generally will remain hidden behind appliances such as water heaters and stoves, in cupboards, and inside or below garbage cans. Cockroaches leave waste that may look similar to coffee grounds and may create dark smears. They also leave egg cases that have a leathery appearance.
Best Practices For Limiting Their Spread
Preventing cockroaches from entering a home’s interior and further spreading within is challenging because of their ability to navigate through very small openings. It is important to inspect the ceiling, walls, and floors for possible points of entry as well as the seal around exterior doors. These pests can often hide in spaces as small as 1/16-inch. Eliminating potential sources of food is critical. Dirty dishes should not be left in the sink overnight and the kitchen trash should be removed daily. Make sure that food is stored in sealed containers and that uneaten pet food is not left out.
Home maintenance is also an important preventative measure. Areas such as bathrooms and kitchens should be checked for any water leaks. Keep exterior ivy and other vegetation trimmed away from the home, particularly near vents. Some homeowners make the mistake of trying different do-it-yourself measures to counter a cockroach infestation by using foggers or “bombs” that release forms of insecticide into the air. The problem with these products is that they do not properly reach into the small gaps and crevices that cockroaches retreat to and the chemicals may be harmful to humans and pets.
Cockroach traps are also sold in stores that attract the pests using some type of bait. These are more effective as a tool for confirming that a cockroach infestation exists than actually eliminating them all. Unfortunately, while homeowners are trying store-bought solutions the pests may be multiplying. It’s time to call in to experts at Kat’s Pest Solution!
Professional Pest Control For Homes in Los Angeles County
Pests such as cockroaches pose a serious threat to you and your family. It is critical to promptly contact a Los Angeles pest control professional when an infestation occurs. Kat’s Pest Solutions has more than a decade of experience eliminating cockroaches, rodents, and other nuisances for customers in Southern California and encourages you to call today for an inspection.
Learn more about our professional cockroach control services and our home pest control process.