Problems Cockroaches Cause Inside Homes

What Do Cockroaches Look Like?

Before you can identify a cockroach infestation, you have to know what you’re looking for. There are several varieties of cockroaches that range in size and color, but they have many similar features. Cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies and small heads. They have six, spiny legs, and some have wings, though you may not notice them. Two common cockroach species in Florida are American cockroaches and German cockroaches. American cockroaches are a reddish-brown color, and they grow to about an inch and a half in length. German cockroaches are brown, and they grow to about half an inch in length.

Problems Cockroaches Cause Inside Homes

Unfortunately, the stories you’ve heard about cockroaches are not exaggerated.

They are filthy bugs that cause many problems for homeowners:

• They spend their time in unsavory places, like sewers and garbage bins, getting covered in bacteria and parasites.

• They crawl across your counters and food, spreading bacteria and parasites to everything they touch. The feces they leave behind is also contaminated.

• If you then touch or eat these contaminants, you can contract a host of dangerous illnesses, such as salmonella, strep, or even typhoid.

• Cockroach feces and shed body parts trigger allergies in many people.

How To Prevent Cockroaches

Keeping cockroaches out of your home should be a top priority.

You can help prevent them by:

• Keeping food stored away in sealed containers at all times.

• Keeping your counters wiped down and free of crumbs, spills, and messes.

• Cleaning dirty dishes immediately after use.

• Sweeping and vacuuming your floors frequently.

• Taking out your garbage as soon as it’s full.

• Keeping moisture levels in your house low.

• Checking for and repairing leaks.

• Sealing all holes and cracks on the outside of your home where cockroaches may get in.

What To Do If Cockroaches Invade

If cockroaches get into your home, the best thing to do is call Reynolds Pest Management. Cockroaches are difficult to kill and they’re good at hiding, so trying to get rid of them on your own will almost certainly result in more cockroach problems down the road. Reynolds can eliminate your cockroach problem efficiently and effectively, keeping your home protected and your family safe and healthy. Contact us to get started.