If you’ve ever noticed a cockroach running along your floor, or even worse, found one inside of the food you were eating, you know how off-putting and gross these pests can be. While you’re probably aware they aren’t an insect you want around your property, cockroaches are actually much more disgusting and dangerous than many people realize.
Cockroaches are a flat, oval-shaped insect with six legs covered in small spines. Most cockroach species have wings, although not all of them do, and they can range in color from tan, to reddish-brown, to black. Depending on the species, cockroaches can also have identifying markings on their bodies or wings.
There are actually around 4,500 different species of cockroaches found throughout the world, but there are only a handful of these pests in Modesto and the surrounding areas. However, they are still a common home-invading pest, and they can cause many health problems. This is because they are known for spreading pathogens that cause diseases, such as salmonella, gastroenteritis, E. coli, and many more.
Because of the risks associated with cockroaches, the best way to protect your home or business, and keep yourself and others safe, is to focus on ongoing cockroach prevention.
Seven Simple Cockroach Prevention Steps
Now that you know how to identify cockroaches, the next thing to do is reduce factors that potentially attract them to your property. Keep in mind that cockroaches love cluttered areas with access to food and high humidity, so the best way to deter them is to remove these conditions. Here are seven ways to do that:
- Always take out the trash often, and keep all trash cans covered with lids.
- Ensure that attics, crawl spaces, and basements are well-ventilated.
- Cockroaches can live on even very tiny crumbs, so wipe up any food and drink spills immediately.
- Deep clean kitchen areas on a semi-regular basis, which includes cleaning under appliances, and in cupboards and cabinets.
- On a weekly basis, sweep and mop floors in food preparation rooms.
- If your property has humidity issues, consider using dehumidifiers.
- Keep pet food in airtight containers.
How to Seal Off Cockroach Entry Points
Addressing the issues that attract cockroaches to your property is a great way to keep them out, but you should also do what you can to remove access points around your home or business. First of all, focus on doors and windows by fixing broken screens, and installing door sweeps and weather stripping. Next, look around the walls and foundation of the building, and fill any cracks or holes with caulk and foam. Finally, clean drains often, as some species of cockroach use drains to get inside.
By putting these overall cockroach prevention steps together, you can greatly reduce the chances you’ll wind up with an infestation, but it can still happen. If you do have a cockroach infestation, professional pest control is the best way to get rid of them.
Why Professional Services Are Best
The experts at Peace of Mind Pest Control use modern, reliable cockroach prevention and removal techniques that are safe for people and pets. Our technicians will inspect the property, and then apply treatment based on your individual needs. We then provide follow-up treatments when necessary, so you can be sure cockroaches won’t come back.
Find out more about our residential and commercial cockroach control services by contacting us online, or at (209) 301-8881. We also provide free estimates.
