Cockroaches. Everyone hates them. A recent survey by PestWorld ranked cockroaches the second most hated pest, right behind bed bugs. So it’s not surprising that keeping your home or business cockroach-free is a top priority for homeowners, renters, and business owners alike. Learn why we hate cockroaches so much, how to prevent infestations, and what to do if you find one in your home.
Why Cockroaches Are Easy to Hate
From their smell to their love of dark places to their ability to contaminate food, there are many reasons most people hate cockroaches. Here are the top three:
- They pose health risks: Cockroaches spread bacteria and pathogens by picking up germs on the spines of their legs and transferring them onto food preparation surfaces. They have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, as well as six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. In addition, they often cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks.
- They are fast: Cockroaches are fast. They top out at three miles per hour. This speed not only makes them hard to catch, it means they can spread germs through a home or business property very quickly. Plus, seeing one zipping by out of the corner of your eye is startling, putting most people on edge.
- They are hard to kill: Cockroaches are resilient. They are survivors. They can even live for a week without their head. Couple their survival skills with the fact they reproduce quickly, and you can see how a small problem can become a full-blown infestation quickly.
How to Prevent Cockroach Infestations
Like many pests, cockroaches love moisture, food, and places to hide. So prevention really focuses on keeping your home or business clean, food properly stored, and dealing with any water issues promptly. Here are a few tips to protect your property from cockroaches:
- Maintain good cleanliness in the home/business
- Store food in tight, sealed containers— including pet food
- Dispose of food waste promptly, including spills on countertops and floors
- Don’t let dishes pile up in the sink
- Seal any cracks
- Ventilate areas to prevent moisture buildup
- Run water periodically in spare bathrooms to keep u-traps filled
What To Do If You See a Cockroach in Your Home or Business
If you see a cockroach in your home or business, don’t beat yourself up. You are not alone. According to the National Pest Management Association, 78 to 98 percent of homes in urban areas have cockroaches. Sometimes, even your own best efforts don’t stand up if your neighbors or others in the area attract them.
While you may be tempted to take care of the issue yourself, contacting a professional pest control company for assistance with elimination and prevention is really your best course of action. As mentioned earlier, cockroaches are very hard to eradicate and often don’t respond to typical over-the-counter measures.
4 Steps to Eradicate a Cockroach Infestation
Professional exterminators like Ford’s Hometown Services will take a multifaceted approach to eradicate infestations and prevent recurrence. And, since we follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles, our team is dedicated to utilizing the most common-sense and environmentally conscious best practices to protect your property and your family or team. Typical steps include:
Identify and Assess
Our team will do a thorough inspection to measure the degree of infestation. This inspection will also determine what type of treatment we will be performing.
Develop a Treatment Plan
We’ll create a customized strategy using a variety of methods, such as baits, insect growth regulators (IGR) and insecticide applications, based on the specific needs of the infestation.
Share Prevention Strategies
We can help provide guidance to eliminate food, harborage and water sources.
Support and Follow-up
We will provide a 3 month warranty after two visits to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Say Goodbye to Cockroaches and
Hello to a Pest-free 2024!
Once a cockroach gets into your home or business, they are known to reproduce quickly. That means you can have an infestation on your hands before you know it. Ford’s Hometown Services has more than 80 years of combined experience eliminating and preventing cockroaches. If you see a cockroach in your space, call us today at 800-649-9992 or get an online quote.
