Cockroaches

Belonging to the order Blattodea, cockroaches are notable for their hardy, adaptable nature that enables them to survive for long periods without food or even water if necessary. More than four thousand different cockroach species are identifiable today, but only a few of these species are considered pests to humans. These specific species are well-known thanks to their generally quick reproductive times, their ability to invade homes and businesses, and the difficulty in getting rid of them.

Types of cockroaches

Some species of cockroaches are more common to encounter than others. Below are examples of the species you may encounter in your home or business.

• German cockroach – This is a small cockroach species that grow to about a half-inch in length. They have a light tan or yellow-brown coloring and two darker brown parallel stripes on their back. You are most likely to see German cockroaches in warm, humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or under appliances.
• American cockroach – This roach can grow up to two inches in length and has a distinct red-brown coloration. They also have a yellow figure-right marking behind their head, and females have wings that they may use to fly short distances. American cockroaches prefer to hide in warm, dark, moist areas such as bathrooms, crawl spaces, and sewers.
• Oriental cockroach – Also called a waterbug, Oriental cockroaches grow to about an inch long. They are a dark brown to shiny black color and love to live around damp, dark areas. Common places to see these pests include plumbing or sewage areas and bathrooms.

If you need help with properly identifying the cockroaches invading your property, don’t hesitate to reach out to Compass Pest Management for home pest control in Riverside.

All types of cockroaches are considered fairly dangerous invaders due to the many unhygienic locations this pest walks through before they enter your property. These areas include sewers, dumpsters, and organic waste piles; the bacteria and pathogens that cockroaches pick up in these areas are then transferred to your property as they walk on surfaces and in food storage areas. You risk picking up illnesses such as cholera, gastroenteritis, listeriosis, and salmonellosis when you have a cockroach infestation.

Additionally, cockroaches, especially species like German cockroaches, can trigger allergy and asthma issues in certain individuals. A widespread infestation of cockroaches may result in respiratory troubles that need medical attention.

Cockroaches sometimes enter homes when carried inside in boxes or bags, or by crawling in through any small opening they can find. If your home is humid or you have a moisture problem somewhere, and if you have a readily available food supply, cockroaches will be interested in staying in your home. They will also begin to reproduce, making your initially small problem quickly grow larger.

Cockroaches prefer warm, humid areas, and are most often found in kitchens, often hidden under sinks. However, they can also be found in bathrooms since moisture levels tend to be high in those rooms. Even a room with lower humidity may be at risk if it offers a food supply. Pantries, dining rooms, living rooms, or any room where you eat or leave food is at risk.

Cockroaches are some of the most difficult pests to get rid of. They have many defenses to protect themselves, including the ability to hold their breath for up to forty minutes. They can even live without their head for a whole week! Even if you figure out a way to kill them, cockroaches are excellent at hiding, so it’s unlikely that you’ll eliminate the entire problem through a DIY approach.

Compass Pest Control offers cockroach control in Riverside that will get to the source of your problem. We will eliminate every cockroach that has entered your home and help to ensure that none return in the future.

When it comes to combating cockroach infestations and keeping these pests off your property, try some of the following prevention techniques:

• Keep cockroaches out by sealing up cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation of your property. Also, put mesh screens over vents areas, especially ones near crawl spaces.
• Always seal up trash tightly and dispose of it promptly. Use trash cans with lids when possible to keep this pest from scavenging.
• Never leave out leftover food or dirty dishes, and make sure to clean food and drink spills immediately to stop the aroma from attracting roaches.
• Remove access to outdoor pet food or compost piles, as these may attract cockroaches to your property.
• Fix leaks and drainage issues that lead to moist, humid environments around your property that cockroaches love so much.

If you are struggling with a large infestation of these pests despite following these tips, contact Compass Pest Management for assistance. We can completely remove cockroaches from your Riverside property.