If you’ve ever flipped on the kitchen lights to be greeted by scurrying cockroaches then you know just how unsightly these pests can be. But did you know that cockroaches aren’t just unpleasant nuisances? They can be dangerous to you and your family.
That’s why you need to act with urgency if cockroaches are infesting your home—the health of your family could depend on it.
Identifying Common Area Cockroaches
There are many different cockroach species in the world, but here in Washington, we are most likely to encounter only four of them. These are German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
- German Cockroaches are flat and oval-shaped. They are light brown or tan and feature two black stripes behind their heads. Both males and females of this species have fully developed wings however, they do not fly.
- American Cockroaches are reddish-brown and feature a yellow figure-eight pattern behind their heads. Moreover, these are the largest species of cockroach you are likely to encounter. Both male and female American cockroaches have fully developed wings and are capable of flying.
- Oriental Cockroaches have smaller, shiny, black bodies. These cockroaches do not fly, but Oriental roaches do produce an unpleasant musty odor.
- Brown-Banded Cockroaches are reddish-brown to dark brown, and, as their name suggests, have tan bands that run across their wings. Brown-banded cockroaches are not capable of flight.
Although they may differ in appearance, each species of cockroach can be detrimental to the health of humans. Therefore, regardless of which species you are dealing with, you should take action to eliminate any infestation immediately.
What Threats Do Cockroaches Pose To Humans?
Unfortunately for us humans, cockroaches pose quite a few threats. This is because they are capable of spreading viruses, bacteria, parasites, and human pathogens to any surface with which they come into contact. These surfaces could be countertops, dishes, or even food. Cockroaches pick up these potentially-threatening bacteria as they travel through garbage, sewers, excrement, and many other filth-ridden places.
Some of the diseases that cockroaches are known to spread include salmonella, dysentery, and diarrhea.
In addition to these illnesses, cockroaches shed their skins and leave behind feces which may cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in at-risk people. Given this laundry list of potential threats, it is important to act immediately if you believe you have a cockroach infestation in your home.
Identifying and Preventing Cockroach Infestations
There are several ways in which you might identify a cockroach infestation in your home. As mentioned previously, some cockroaches produce a musty smell which can be quite unpleasant. You may also notice their droppings. Cockroaches produce either small black/brown cylindrical droppings or brown smear marks depending on their access to water. In addition to the droppings, you might also notice the shed skins of the roaches if they have infested your home.
If there are no signs of an infestation in your home, there are still some preventative measures you should take to lower your risk of future infestations. These include:
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
- Store food in air-tight containers.
- Wipe up any spills from counters or floors immediately.
- Keep dirty dishes from piling up in the sink.
- Take out the trash with regularity.
- Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Reduce moisture in the home with a dehumidifier.
What To Do If You Suspect You Have A Cockroach Infestation?
If you think cockroaches have invaded your Yakima home, don’t panic, just call the professionals here at Prosite right away. Here at Prosite, we have trained pest professionals who will eliminate any current roach infestations, as well as work with you to prevent future ones. Don’t put your family’s health at risk, give us a call today.