The Key To Total Cockroach Control For Your Phoenix Home

Types Of Cockroaches That Commonly Invade Phoenix Homes

All cockroaches have six legs and a pair of antennae and are generally oval. Many types of cockroaches commonly invade Phoenix homes, including:

• German Cockroaches: They are small, usually tan to light brown, with two dark stripes running behind their head and down the upper portion of their body. These parallel stripes go down lower in nymphs, who are also darker. The females carry their egg sacs until they are about to hatch.

• American Cockroaches: American cockroaches are one of the few that can fly short distances. They tend to be red to brown, with a yellow stripe surrounding their head. They can be three inches long and are one of the largest house cockroaches in the area. An experienced pest control company can help you get rid of American cockroaches safely.

• Oriental Cockroaches: These shiny, dark-to-black cockroaches can be over an inch long. Their wings are not functional, and they have more of a pill-shaped body.

• Brown-Banded Cockroaches: These brown cockroaches have two light-colored parallel lines running widthwise on the lower part of their body. 

• Turkestan Cockroaches: The Turkestan cockroach is similar to the oriental cockroach. Females tend to be darker than males, with lighter markings along the edge of their bodies and behind the head.

Determining the type of cockroach you have in your home is essential, but they can all put you at risk of contracting dangerous illnesses and trigger asthma attacks and allergies. Regardless of the species, it is crucial that you control the infestation.

Why Cockroaches In Your Home Is A Major Health Risk

Cockroaches are a significant health risk in homes because they can cause various health problems. It is important to remember that cockroaches are scavengers that you will find in unsanitary areas, including bathrooms, and that they are frequently in contact with feces and more.

Roaches can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions due to the allergens that they produce. You might experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, or even rashes when you breathe them in. Also, cockroaches are known to spread dangerous pathogens throughout infested homes. These include E. Coli, salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and more. Some of these bacteria can cause life-threatening issues if left untreated.

If cockroaches have invaded and you suddenly experience gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, you must seek medical help as soon as possible. Cockroaches can cause injuries by brushing against people with the sharp spines on their legs which can also harbor pathogens. If you are dealing with a cockroach infestation, you can just read on to learn about the different factors that attract them to homes and how to deter cockroaches safely.

Factors That Attract Cockroaches Into Your Home

If you struggle with a cockroach population, you might wonder what attracted them to your home. Sometimes, even your best efforts are not enough to keep them at bay. Something as simple as a high humidity level could be all that’s needed to cause an infestation. That being said, by controlling these factors, you have a better chance of keeping these invaders away:

• High humidity levels: Cockroaches are attracted to water sources. If you have leaks in your home, now is the time to fix them. You will also want to inspect your drains, as stagnant water is a significant factor in attracting cockroaches, especially in areas like kitchens where food might rot in pipes and drains. Cockroaches can hold their breath underwater for nearly 45 minutes, making it easy to hide in garbage disposals and sinks until everyone in your household has gone to sleep. Don’t forget the outside of your home, where leaks can be common.
• Improperly stored food: Cockroaches need food to survive, and they will eat anything and everything, even if it is non-nutritive (including feces and hair). If your food storage area is easy to invade for bugs, they will take it over in no time. Make sure all your food containers close tightly and check them regularly for signs of damage. If cockroaches have gotten into your food, you must discard it as dangerous pathogens have likely contaminated it.
• Kitchens and dining areas: Kitchens and dining areas are prime spots for cockroaches. That is why they can be a persistent problem in restaurants and businesses where they prepare food. It is also true of homes and apartments. If you are at risk of a cockroach problem, thoroughly clean your kitchen and dining areas regularly throughout the day, especially at night, before going to bed. Cockroaches are nocturnal and appear when the house is quiet. It is always a good idea to go around your home in the evening to clean up all spills, vacuum crumbs, and disinfect floors and counters. Your efforts will also help slow the spread of potentially dangerous illnesses. Always put leftovers away as soon as everyone finishes eating.
• Convenient entry points: Cockroaches can flatten their bodies dramatically and squeeze through tiny openings. Closing off entry points is always helpful. If you have cracks in your walls or foundations, it is time to seal them. You will also want to inspect pipes, vents, and other access points to the outside. 
• Garbage cans: Garbage cans that are not regularly cleaned and taken out are a big reason cockroaches are attracted to homes. It is always best to take out the trash and keep the bins far from the house. You will also want to wash them regularly and use sturdy plastic bags that can be closed tightly before being thrown away.
• Neighboring units: If you are seemingly doing everything right but are still dealing with a cockroach infestation, these pests may be coming from neighboring units. In this case, you must apply treatment to every home harboring cockroaches.

Cockroaches are resilient and opportunistic, and when your best efforts are not enough, it is time to call a pest control company to help eradicate them safely and effectively.