American Cockroaches: Myth or Fact?
Let’s be honest, most homeowners do not think cockroaches are a hazard they need to be worrying about. They are just some fast, brown bug that can’t do much damage. Myth or fact? MYTH! Here is why:
The American cockroaches are an average length of 4 cm (1.6 in) to about 7 mm (0.28 in) tall. Their coloring is close to a reddish brown and they also have a yellowish margin on the body behind the head. Immature cockroaches appear the same as adults, but they are wingless.
They can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when you enter the area. They can surprisingly fit into small areas such as cracks and under doors given their size.
As any other invader, American cockroaches enter homes in search of food and water. Basement windows and garages are common entryways. After entering a home, cockroaches often go to bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or basements.
Cockroaches secrete a chemical called an “aggregation pheromone.” The odor causes them to stay in groups. The smell is more commonly described as a “musty” smell.
Not only can they cause a foul smell, cockroaches can pick up disease-causing bacteria, such as Salmonella, on their legs and deposit them on foods while inhabiting kitchens. Dust in your home containing cockroach feces and body parts can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in some individuals.
Bottom line, the American Cockroach is a gross pest. They can spread disease, contaminate food and even cause allergies. Cockroaches can pick up germs on their legs and bodies as they crawl through contaminated matter, such as sewage, and then transfer these germs to food or onto food surfaces. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they are assumed to be carriers of the organisms causing diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever, viral diseases, etc.
Now that you know the facts, do you want these pests in your home? I think not! It’s time to give the professionals a call. Universal Pest & Termite is here to help. All of our roach control services includes a full FREE-Return policy. If they come back, so do we at no charge. Allow our family to protect your from roaches. Call 757-502-0200 or click here for more details.
