What You Need to Know About Cockroaches
There are two things you need to know about cockroaches. First, they don’t belong in any of our Maryland homes. Second, implementing regular pest control services in Rockville, MD, is the best way to avoid problems with them! Keep reading to learn more about these problematic pests.
What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are hearty, adaptable, scavenging insects. These insects have been around for eons and survived through sheer grit and guts. They can feed on almost anything and adapt to virtually any living condition. Most of the world’s cockroach species live outside, well away from people, but some have adapted to living near people, taking advantage of the food and shelter we provide.
The most common cockroaches to get into structures in the greater Maryland area and make themselves at home are American, German, and Oriental cockroaches. Cockroaches vary in size and color, but all have a flat oval body, long antennae, and six legs. Many roaches are winged, but most don’t fly. The large American cockroach is the species you must worry about flying around your home in our region.
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
Cockroaches are scavengers and naturally encounter many bacteria, diseases, and human pathogens. Any surface or piece of food in your home that cockroaches crawl across will become contaminated with pathogens that can make you and your family ill.
In addition, cockroaches leave piles of feces and shed skins. Both put many allergens into the air, which can trigger breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and other allergies.
Cockroaches pose multiple dangers, and we can never tolerate their presence in our homes and businesses.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
Things that attract cockroaches living in our yards into our homes are food, moisture, and shelter. As cockroaches roam outside, small spaces in your home’s exterior allow these pests to move inside.
Once inside, if there is ample food, water sources, and places of shelter, the cockroaches will settle in and make themselves at home, feeding, breeding, and increasing their numbers.
Cockroaches are also avid hitchhikers. The German cockroach moves easily from structure to structure in things like appliances, boxes, deliveries, and bags.
Where will I find cockroaches?
American cockroaches are also referred to as palmetto bugs as they commonly live on or around palmetto trees. They also hang outside in garden areas under mulch, landscaping ties, and rocks. Though American cockroaches live quite successfully outside, they will move indoors during harsh weather or while foraging for food.
Oriental cockroaches are called “water bugs” because they prefer to live in or near environments with excess moisture present. Outside, Oriental cockroaches live near sewers and drains, in garbage piles, under mulch, and under leaves or other piles of debris.
German cockroaches have adapted to living indoors with people. These roaches are common pests in homes, restaurants, schools, hotels, food processing facilities, and wherever else food is prepared or stored.
Inside our homes, most cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid areas. Our kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and basement are most likely to become overrun by these scavenging, opportunistic pests.
Cockroaches hide their flat bodies in dark, tight cracks and crevices, doing their best to camouflage their presence. If you are spotting cockroaches scurrying around your home during the day, it is a sign that there is likely a large infestation present.