Cockroaches are the most common insects found in our homes or business. Inspection and identification is the first and foremost step in getting pest problems under control. Some of the different types of cockroaches are American Cockroach, Brown Cockroach, German Cockroach, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach, and Smoky Brown Cockroach. After the inspection, a solution based on the type and level of infestation can be developed and deployed.

Cockroaches can carry various diseases because they are commonly found near waste deposits or in the kitchen where food is present. They enter your home in many different ways, from the outside through cracks and crevices, vents, sewer and drain pipes. We even bring them in on products like grocery bags, boxes, purses and on ourselves. Because our home and business has plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, it is a perfect environment for them. Cockroaches are very efficient at hiding and to the untrained eye, it is very hard to find them and their eggs. Their habitats are diverse, but generally located at places that are dark, warm, near food and provide protection. Some of the more common places that cockroaches live are kitchens, bathrooms, food storage areas, basements, woodpiles, in ground cover such as mulch, leaf piles, under the bark of fallen logs, water meter boxes, sewers and drains.

They survive by eating almost any substance that contains sweets, starches, fats and proteins. In addition to a large variety of food, garbage and other wastes, they will eat glue, leather, hair, their own feces and body parts of other cockroaches. If food sources become scarce, some species of cockroaches can survive for up to six weeks without feeding.

Without special equipment and experience, a DIYer’s battle between cockroaches can be troublesome and most likely will end with an infestation.

Helpful Tips for Prevention:
• Maintaining a clean area will reduce their food source.
• Reducing their harborage sites and preferred habitats.
• Using vacuums to remove cockroaches.
• Cold or hot temperatures to kill cockroaches
• Inspecting items such as cardboard or grocery sacks before bringing them inside

It is recommended that anyone experiencing a infestation contact a pest control professional to arrange for a consultation. Professionals are trained not only to address current infestations but also to prevent future infestations. Scheduling a home inspection is free and it will save you time and money.