The last thing you want to see, when you turn on your kitchen lights, is a bunch of cockroaches scurrying across the floor. Unfortunately, here in Weber County and Davis County, there are a few species of cockroaches that we have to worry about invading our homes. One such species is the Oriental Cockroach.
Sometimes called “waterbugs” because they prefer damp areas, Oriental cockroaches are not a pest you want to make its home inside of yours. They can spread disease and provoke asthma and allergies. Whatever your reason may be for wanting to keep them out, it all starts with knowing what attracts these roaches into your home in the first place. Then, you can take the proper steps to prevent them from coming back in the future.
How To Identify Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are a larger species of roach with shiny black or reddish-brown bodies that grow to be about an inch long. They have antennae and both the males and females have wings although neither can fly.
As previously stated, they are sometimes called waterbugs because they usually congregate in areas that are damp or where there is easy access to water. In your home, this could be your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere where there might be a leaky pipe or fixture. Other areas in your house that you might find these roaches include basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp places.
Are Oriental Cockroaches Dangerous?
Like other cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches do pose threats to humans. This is because they can spread multitudes of bacteria, pathogens, and diseases as they scurry about our homes. Before invading houses, these roaches often reside in sewers and other filthy locales. Then when they come into our houses, they spread the bacteria they’ve picked up to whatever they touch. That can be countertops, dishes, and even food if it's been left out or stored improperly.
In addition to this, Oriental cockroaches are also known to trigger allergies and asthma attacks in at-risk people, the elderly, and children. There are tons of reasons you don’t want these cockroaches infesting your home which is why you need to know prevention techniques that you can utilize to keep them out.
How To Prevent Oriental Cockroaches From Infesting Your Home
When it comes to preventing Oriental cockroaches from entering your home, your primary goals should be to eliminate any entrance points as well as take away any food or water sources that may be attracting them inside. You should:
- Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home.
- Use screens in windows and exterior doors.
- Use door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Reduce moisture in your home with dehumidifiers.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
- Store food in tightly-sealed containers or the refrigerator.
- Wipe up spills from countertops and floors immediately.
- Refrain from keeping dirty dishes stacked in your sink.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Store trash in tightly-sealed trash bins.
- Sweep your floor regularly.
- Keep your home tidy and free from debris.
- Inspect any packages for roaches before bringing them inside.
If you can accomplish some or all of these, you should greatly reduce your odds of having to deal with an Oriental cockroach infestation in the future.
How To Eliminate Oriental Cockroach Infestations
If you are currently dealing with an Oriental cockroach infestation, contact the trained pest professionals here at Pest Pro Pest Control right away.
Our trained pest experts will help you fully eliminate any cockroach infestation that you are currently dealing with, and will also work with you to take the proper steps to prevent future infestations. Don’t delay and give us a call today.