How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches In Your Norfolk Home And Keep Them Out
11/15/2022
Nobody wants to see a cockroach in their home. These insects are a notorious household pest all over the United States. The good news is that there are ways to get rid of a cockroach infestation. For professional pest control in Norfolk, call PESTOUT today so we can keep your home pest-free.
How To Identify The Cockroaches In Your Home
There are four main types of cockroaches that are common in the Norfolk area. They each have similar appearances and behaviors, but knowing the differences is a key step in ending an infestation.
These are the cockroaches you are likely to encounter in Norfolk:
- American cockroaches are a dark reddish-brown with a yellow or light brown figure-eight marking on their heads. They’re usually 1 ¼ to 2 1/8 inches long. American roaches are often found in sewers and drains or in shady, humid areas outdoors.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are brown with distinctive bands or stripes across their wings. They’re smaller than American cockroaches, being only half an inch long. These cockroaches usually live higher up than other species, such as in upper cabinets or near ceilings.
- The Oriental cockroach is typically only seen in the northern United States, including Virginia. They’re about an inch long and shiny black. This species prefers to live in damp, cool locations, such as basements and crawl spaces. They can’t survive long without water, so they typically gather near any potential water source.
- German cockroaches are lighter brown or tan in color, and are about half an inch long. They can fit into any opening 3/8 of an inch wide, making infestation easy.
No matter what kind of cockroach is in your home, PESTOUT can safely and effectively remove them. Contact us for more information on our cockroach control services in Norfolk.
Why Roaches In Your Home Is A Serious Risk To Your Health
Cockroaches don’t just eat your food; they walk on it and other surfaces in your home. But before they get there, they’ve almost certainly crawled over sewage, waste, and decaying plants and animals. All cockroaches have little spines on their legs, allowing them to carry germs from one place to another. Cockroaches are known to carry dozens of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, including E. coli and salmonella. You definitely don’t want those anywhere near your kitchen!
Cockroaches are also known to cause allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups, especially in children. These are caused by saliva, urine, and fecal matter left behind by roaches in your home.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Roaches In Your House Fast!
Why is it so hard to get rid of a cockroach infestation? Cockroaches are some of the most durable pests that invade American homes. They can live for weeks and sometimes even months without food. A roach can even live up to a week without its head. Normal pesticides and poisons can do more harm than good to your home when the pests are so hard to kill.
Because it can be so difficult to eradicate cockroaches from your home, it’s best to call a professional pest control company. PESTOUT’s professional technicians know how to treat cockroaches in a way that’s effective and safe for you and your family. We’ll perform an inspection and treat all areas of your home where cockroaches are likely to be living. Our goal is always to get pests out and keep them out.
Five No-Sweat Tips To Prevent Future Cockroach Infestation
Once the cockroaches are gone, of course you want to know how to keep cockroaches away. There are a few things you can do to make your home less cockroach-friendly:
- Keep food put away in airtight containers. The number one reason why cockroaches come into homes is in search of food. If that food is completely inaccessible to them, the roaches will leave and find another potential home. As much as possible, keep food in completely sealed, airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
- Eliminate sources of standing water. Another common reason for cockroach infestation is that they’re looking for water. By eliminating all sources of standing water or excess moisture in your home, you take that option away from them. This step can take some time, but it’s well worth the effort.
- Clean often. Cockroaches can live in clutter and debris buildup in and around your home. Piles of dishes in the sink, for example, can provide shelter, food, and water to cockroaches living in your kitchen. By practicing good sanitation practices and cleaning your home often, you can prevent a cockroach infestation.
- Seal all possible entry points. The cockroaches have to get inside somehow, right? They’re small and flat, so it’s important that you take the time to close any potential entrance. This includes cracks around doors, windows, and utility pipes. You might also consider installing something to fill a gap underneath a door if it doesn’t fit properly.
- Avoid excess piles of cardboard, paper bags, and other products that use glue. German cockroaches in particular will feed on glue and other starchy materials. Plus, piles of paper or boxes can provide enclosed spaces for cockroaches to live.
Overall, your best bet at preventing cockroach infestation is to keep your home clean and your walls sealed. If the roaches can’t live comfortably in your home, they won’t stay. For more tips, information, and professional cockroach removal, call PESTOUT today.
