Cockroaches | A Guide To Roach Identification & Prevention In West TN

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Cockroach sitting on a piece of wood

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are common pests that are often found invading homes, restaurants, warehouses, office buildings, hospitals, and food processing facilities. What cockroaches looks like depends on their exact species. Generally, these pests have flat, oval-shaped bodies and six, spiny legs; they also have antennae that are the same length as their bodies. There are many cockroach species that are winged, though only a few species are actually strong fliers. These filthy pests come in a variety of colors but are usually black, brown, or reddish-brown in color. Cockroach nymphs look very similar to adult roaches but are smaller in size and wingless.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are dangerous pests to have living in your West Tennessee home or business. Here are the main risks cockroaches pose:

  • Spread of disease: Cockroaches are known to carry pathogens and microorganisms that can facilitate the spread of disease. Cockroaches have the potential to spread a wide variety of harmful bacteria and diseases including dysentery, salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, and E. coli.
  • Food contamination: Cockroaches can contaminate any food you leave open, as they crawl over it leaving behind hair, dead skin, waste, and bacteria. Eating these contaminated foods can actually lead to an array of diseases, including salmonella and E. coli.
  • Allergies: Cockroaches can also cause allergies due to the saliva they excrete and the hundreds of allergens found on their body parts. If you are exposed to cockroaches, this could lead to sneezing, watery eyes, and even skin rashes.
  • Asthma: If there’s someone with asthma in your home, cockroaches can be very harmful to his or her health. Cockroach allergens can cause severe asthmatic reactions, especially in children, that can be life-threatening.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are attracted to properties that offer them plentiful sources of food, water, and shelter. There are many things that can attract these unsanitary pests to your property, including leaky pipes and fixtures, unsecured trash, compost piles, pet food that is left out between feedings, crumbs and spills, and dirty dishes.

Where are cockroaches commonly found?

Cockroaches, depending on their species, can be found living and nesting in a variety of places, both inside and outside. Cockroaches often nest in flower beds, underneath mulch, inside sewer systems, underneath rocks, in potted plants, behind tree bark, and in piles of firewood. Cockroaches that have made their way inside are usually found in warm, dark, humid places like underneath bathroom or kitchen sinks, in basements, behind large appliances, in cabinets or drawers, or in laundry rooms. Cockroaches typically rest during the day and emerge at night from their nesting spots to forage for food.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

The best way to deal with a cockroach problem is to partner with a trusted pest control professional, like us at HTP Termite & Pest Control, Inc.! At HTP, we offer the responsive services needed to provide customized residential and commercial treatment programs for all our customers. Our experienced professionals utilize modern treatments as well as eco-friendly and EPA-registered products to accurately identify the species of roach you're dealing with and solve your property’s cockroach problem.

To learn more about our guaranteed pest control services and how they can help protect your West Tennessee home from cockroaches, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Preventing problems with cockroaches can be a difficult task, but there are several things you can do in and around your home to discourage them:

  • Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
  • Make sure weather stripping is placed around all exterior windows and doors.
  • Place door sweeps on all exterior doors and replace any torn window or door screens.
  • Create a stone barrier between any mulch or soil and your home’s foundation. 
  • Make sure that outdoor trash cans have locking lids placed on them.
  • Inside your home, keep all food (including pet food) in airtight containers or in the refrigerator. 
  • Wash dirty dishes, remove trash from your home daily, and vacuum regularly.
  • Fix leaky pipes, fixtures, and drains.
  • Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in your home.

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