A comfortable home is essential, especially when hosting out-of-town guests. But there’s one group of guests you don’t want to entertain: cockroaches. These pests don’t hibernate in the winter—they remain active and can invade your Massachusetts home or business all year long. Instead of slowing down like most bugs when it gets cold, cockroaches look for shelter. Let’s explore why cockroach pest control is crucial and how to make sure your home doesn’t become a roach motel this winter.
Why Cockroaches Pest Control is Crucial for Your Family’s Health
Cockroaches aren’t just unpleasant to look at, they can harm your family’s health. Why? Cockroaches:
- Spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli
- Can trigger allergies or asthma with their droppings and shed skinsPose a serious health risk, especially for families with children who have respiratory conditions
- Contribute to unsanitary living conditions.
What’s even more worrisome is that a study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that 78-98% of homes in urban areas have cockroaches and homeowners might not even be aware.
Common Types of Cockroaches in New England
Knowing which species of cockroaches are common in New England helps you identify the problem quickly and take effective steps to address the situation.
Signs of Cockroach Infestation
Sightings of live roaches, especially in kitchens or basements, are an obvious sign of cockroach infestations. But, you don’t always see them scurrying around. Watch for these additional warning signs:
- Droppings: Cockroach droppings are dark and look like coffee grounds.
- Musty smells: Certain cockroaches and large infestations have a musty or oily odor.
- Molted skins: Cockroaches shed their skins 5-8 times as they grow into adulthood. Look for these white shells where cockroaches nest, such as behind appliances.
- Egg cases: Pill-shaped egg cases can hold up to 40 eggs each, and females can produce up to 150 eggs a year.
If you recognize these signs in your home, be sure to call in a pest control professional like Ford’s Hometown Services immediately before the infestation gets out of hand.
How to Protect Your Home from Cockroaches
Prevention is the best step in cockroach pest control. Here are some tips to make your home less inviting based on 80 years of providing cockroach elimination and extermination in the New England area:
- Keep your home clean: This means removing food debris, keeping counters wiped down, and taking out trash regularly.
- Use proper food storage: Airtight containers for food (and pet food!) are a must.
- Seal entry points: Cockroaches enter homes through cracks and gaps, or pipes. Be sure to caulk any gaps you see and block entry points.
- Address leaks: Fix any leaks and manage humidity in your home, especially basements.
Be careful about DIY cockroach pest control. Cockroaches are highly adaptable and can quickly find new hiding spots, or even build up a resistance to certain pesticides.
At Ford’s Hometown Services, our cockroach elimination program starts with identifying the problem and tailoring a treatment plan to your needs. With over 80 years of experience, we know what it takes to keep your home pest-free.
No Room at Your Inn for Cockroaches
Ready to put up the “No Vacancy” sign for cockroaches? Ford’s Hometown Services is here to help. Don’t let cockroaches find comfort in your space this winter. Contact the experts at Ford’s Hometown Services for reliable cockroach control solutions that will keep your home and your family safe.