What Are Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are easy to identify by their oval bodies, shiny, greasy appearance, and long antennae. Some of the best words to describe cockroaches include adaptable, hearty, and unwanted. Cockroaches are pests that want to live with us, but the feeling is not mutual, and we need to do everything we can to keep them out of our homes.
Listed below are the four species of cockroaches that regularly find their way into our Woodland Hills, California homes and businesses.
- German cockroaches
- American cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
- Brown-banded cockroaches
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
The biggest reason cockroaches are so unwanted in our home is because of how dangerous they are to be around. They trigger allergies and asthma attacks, spread human pathogens, parasites, and bacteria, and create unpleasant odors. Cockroaches are also destructive as they feed; they damage food packaging, contaminate food, and stain walls, fabrics, and furniture with excrement. There are absolutely no benefits to sharing your home with cockroaches!
Why Do I Have a Cockroach Problem?
Cockroaches are scavengers and, when living outside, help to get rid of decaying organic matter. Unfortunately, some species have developed a close relationship with people and have learned that where we live provides them easy access to food and water.
Cockroaches find their way into our homes on their own or by hitchhiking. Things like excess water and food odors attract cockroaches that are living outside to houses and other structures. Cockroaches that primarily live indoors, like the German cockroach, move from place to place on or in things like furniture, appliances, and boxes.
Where Will I Find Cockroaches?
After finding their way into our homes, most cockroaches seek out dark, damp areas, moving into tight cracks and crevices to hide during the day. At night they emerge and forage for food.
It is common for cockroaches to be in a home for some time before anyone notices them. Hiding enables them to build their populations, making them even more difficult to eliminate.
Most cockroaches hang out in humid areas of a home that offer them easy access to food like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements or crawl spaces. Brown-banded cockroaches prefer to live in dry, hot areas like attics, wall voids, upper cabinets, and behind wood trim.
How Do I Get Rid of Cockroaches?
Having cockroaches in your Los Angeles area home for even one day is unacceptable. Guarding your home and family against cockroaches is best done with the help of a local professional and regular pest control services. At A Step Above Pest Control & Termite, we will identify the cockroaches in your house, find where they are hiding, and provide safe and effective treatments. All materials we use are registered with the EPA and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
To learn more about protecting your property from being overtaken by dangerous cockroaches, call A Step Above Pest Control & Termite and speak with one of our helpful professionals about our Los Angeles home pest control or commercial pest control solutions.
How Can I Prevent Cockroaches in the Future?
To assist you in preventing problems with cockroaches in your Los Angeles homes, we want to offer you the following prevention tips.
- Keep cockroaches that are living outside from moving into your home by sealing cracks in the foundation, repairing damaged siding, and placing covers over vents and drains leading into your home.
- Make sure that outdoor trash cans and recycling bins have lids on them, keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris, and pick up uneaten pet food to stop cockroaches from being attracted to your home.
- Inside regularly vacuum and keep your kitchen clean to limit their access to food.
- Always inspect boxes, furniture, and other deliveries for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.
- Keep cabinets and other storage areas free of food debris and well organized to help identify a cockroach infestation sooner rather than later.
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