How to Identify and Get Rid of Cockroaches
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How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
The first instinct at the first sight of a cockroach is to raise your foot and stomp as hard as you can. And while that may take care of the one you see, there is a strong chance many others are lurking around your home or business that you don’t see. Cockroaches group together and they are difficult to get rid of, but it’s important that you do.
Cockroaches aren’t just a nuisance, they’re a health hazard. They carry around all kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella. So, not only can they can contaminate your food and the surfaces of your home, but they can trigger allergy and asthma attacks with their droppings, saliva and the shed skin they leave behind.
There are plenty of sprays and other roach extermination products on the market, but the best option to eliminate cockroaches is to call a pest control professional.
How to Identify Cockroaches
There are a few different types of cockroaches that are commonly found in homes in the United States, but it’s important to know which kind you have to properly treat and eliminate them. All cockroaches are nocturnal, so you may only see them at night. They often scurry quickly when you flip on the light. If you see one during the day, that usually means the infestation has grown to the point where there isn’t enough food or water for all of them, so they’re braving daylight to eat.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is the most common cockroach in the United States. It’s about ¾ of an inch long, is light brown or tan and has six legs and antennae. Their bodies are oval-shaped and they also have two strips on their back. German cockroaches have wings, but they rarely fly. They prefer warm or humid places and are always in search of water, so you’re more than likely to find them in your kitchen, bathroom or basement.
Brown-banded Cockroach
The brown-banded cockroach is one of the smallest cockroaches there is. They are usually reddish or dark brown in color and have two light brown bands across their bodies. You’ll find them in warm, dry and high locations like upper kitchen cabinets and behind picture frames.
American Cockroach
American cockroaches are large with reddish-brown bodies and a yellow-colored figure eight on the back of their head. You will find them most often around pipes and drains in sewers and basements. But they can also be found searching for water and food in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They can survive in lower temperatures but are most active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher.
Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroach is found mostly in the northern parts of the United States. It’s large with a dark, reddish-brown or shiny black color. You can find them outside in firewood and leaf piles. They prefer damp, cool places inside like crawl spaces or basements and usually get in during the summer through drains or doors. Oriental cockroaches are often called ‘water bugs,’ and will find a way to get inside during heavy downpours.
Preventing Cockroach Infestations
Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of, and even if you haven’t seen one, it’s probably best to have a professional pest control service inspect your property to be sure there isn’t an infestation you don’t know about. There are several steps you can take to help prevent them from calling your house home.
- Make sure you store dry food in tightly sealed plastic bags or containers and don’t leave any food out on your counters. Also, don’t leave water standing in sinks or buckets.
- Keep crumbs and other food debris swept up off the floor and countertops.
- Remove or empty water and pet food bowls at night before bed.
- Get rid of stacks of newspapers, magazines or any other kind of clutter from your floor and cabinets.
- Inspect your property for access points and seal them off. Pay particular attention in looking for gaps around pipes and drains or a wall that’s shared with another apartment or condo.
To eliminate them on your own, you’ll need to put out bait in places where they are. That can often mean placing it in kitchen and bathroom cabinets or drawers. You’ll have to take care to make sure it’s out of the reach of children and pets. You’ll also have to be careful in removing dead cockroaches, since they carry so much bacteria. There are also sprays you can use, but they won’t keep cockroaches from coming back. The best option for treatment and elimination is a professional pest control service.
If you haven’t actually seen a cockroach, there are other ways to know if they’re on your property. Cockroaches leave small, black droppings behind and they also shed their skins. It’s important to look in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets or behind appliances for those signs. If they’re finding enough water in your home, they will leave behind brown or irregular-shaped smear marks where the wall and floor meet.
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Getting Rid of Cockroaches in Your House
Treatment Methods for Cockroaches
Some store-bought sprays may show promise in controlling cockroaches in the short-term, but if the cockroaches have laid eggs, you will still have a problem. That’s because cockroach eggs can survive and then hatch for up to two months.
At Ehrlich, we are not only committed to controlling your problem, but we will eliminate it and keep it from coming back. Our expert technicians are trained to know what to look for and the best ways to tackle the problem.
Step 1: Free Inspection
Call us to set up a time that’s convenient for you and your family. One of our licensed specialists will arrive to thoroughly inspect your property for access points and signs of infestations.
Step 2: Customized Plan
Our pest control professional will make recommendations on the best way to trap and eliminate the cockroaches you have. We will provide you with a price quote for our services and answer any questions you may have.
Step 3: Protection and Prevention
When it comes to treatment methods, there is no one size fits all with cockroaches. At Ehrlich, we will find the best treatment option for your home or business. It can take several treatments to completely eliminate a cockroach infestation, so we will provide regular, follow-up inspections and treatments until the cockroaches are gone for good. Our technicians will also offer advice on steps you can take to keep them from coming back.
Some of our treatment methods include:
- Ehrlich pest control experts are trained to know where cockroaches hide and nest. It’s important to get rid of any eggs they have laid. So, treatment begins with finding these places and removing them.
- We will identify the type of cockroach you have in your home and treat accordingly, since some methods are better suited for a particular type of cockroach.
- At Ehrlich, we are constantly educating ourselves on effective pest control management. We use the latest technology and treatments to rid your home of cockroaches or any other pest. And all our products are environmentally-friendly and safe for your family and pets.
Professional Cockroach Treatment
At Ehrlich, we pride ourselves on being able to get rid of your cockroach problem. Our highly-trained and state licensed specialists will provide professional, targeted treatment for your home or business. Cockroaches are more than a pest; they carry bacteria that can cause your family to get sick. They can even trigger asthma and allergy attacks, especially in children. So, it’s important that you tackle the problem quickly and effectively. Call Ehrlich to eliminate cockroaches from your life for good.
Ehrlich’s Cockroach Services
Whatever pest control issue you may have, Ehrlich is here to help. Our pest control specialists are highly trained, licensed and certified professionals who use the latest technology, treatment and tools to eliminate your current problems and prevent future infestations. We have been protecting homes and businesses from pests since 1928 – we’d be honored to protect yours too.