Cockroaches are not at all fun to have around your Oklahoma home. The creepy build and disgusting nature have a tendency to put a lot of people off. There is their superior ability to flourish and survive an abundance of scenarios, their unnerving approach to chasing you down when you finally talk yourself into destroying their existence and their uncanny ability to squeeze through tight crevices. And don’t forget about the fact that at night, they scout open in the dark but the moment a light flickers on, they scurry back into their safe havens behind your appliances and other dark places. These little pests are quite unsettling to have in your residence!
Pied Piper Services would like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cockroaches in hopes of preventing and controlling cockroach infestations in your Cushing OK home.
Q: What are cockroaches?
A: Cockroaches are nocturnal insects, and shy away from most light sources. Young roaches only need a crack the width of roughly a dime to crawl through while males can squeeze through a crack about the width of a quarter. They can only go without water for about a week, but can survive without food for up to a month. Their lifespan is about a year, and they can breathe without their heads! Females only get to mate once, and are pregnant for the rest of their lives, birthing between 300-400 babies during that time.
Q: Where do Roaches Live in Homes?
A: It is a misconceived notion that cockroaches only inhabit filthy homes. The truth is that they hunker wherever there is a sufficient food supply. Thriving on sugar, grease, and other food remnants, they are found anywhere in a home, cupboards, drains, nooks and crannies. Even in immaculate homes, cockroaches can thrive. There are simply less colonies as opposed to a filthy home where colonies flourish with a never ending food supply.
Q: Do Cockroaches Carry Diseases?
A: Salmonella, dysentery, gastroenteritis, asthma, hepatitis virus, and even typhoid fever are some of the more serious diseases carried by cockroaches. Cockroaches can also carry allergen contagions, making allergy sufferers more prone to allergy symptoms.
Q: How are Roaches Getting in my House?
A: As mentioned earlier, they don’t need a lot of space to squeeze their bodies through. Simple cracks and holes can invite them in; plumbing pipes, vents, sewers etc. Even bringing them in boxes, grocery bags can bring on an infestation.
Q: What do Roaches Look for in a Home?
A: Cockroaches look for dark, damp places with plenty of nesting materials, food and water to call home.
Q: What’s the Best Way to Prevent Cockroaches?
A: Follow through on the following:
• Routinely give your home a meticulous cleaning, vacuuming both the obvious and less obvious places.
• Put away all food when you are done using it and be sure to tightly seal pantry items.
• Wipe down surface areas where food is prepared and served after every meal or snack.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets, and avoid leaving any standing water anywhere.
• Keep trash bins covered.
• Have a professional pest control company spray the appropriate areas of your home.