The ‘old timers’ of the ecosystem, Cockroaches have remained practically unchanged in form for over 320 million years. The fact that they have outlasted about every other life form known to man can in large part be attributed to their ability to adapt to practically any situation. Able to detect changes in barometric pressure, cockroaches instinctively know when a severe storm is imminent. Able to eat just about anything, these scavengers will consume human hair, eyebrows, fingernails, garbage, cigarette butts, soap, glue and even other cockroaches. And in those rare instances when they must, they can survive without water for two weeks and headless or without food for a month! Not only are they astute weathermen with revolting dining habits, but they are fast. Cockroaches are capable of moving 50-body lengths per second. Boarding boats, trains, airplanes, trucks, moving boxes and even grocery bags, they spread quickly and easily.

The biggest problem caused by cockroaches would have to be the bacteria, viruses and disease they carry on their bodies. Cockroaches have been found to carry pathogens that cause tuberculosis, cholera, leprosy, dysentery, and typhoid and are responsible for many major allergies as well as asthma. Even though they leave trails of fecal matter when they walk, leaving stains and odors behind, many times people don’t notice their presence until the cockroaches run out of room to hide and are forced out into the open.

Cockroaches can be identified by their brown or black color. They are usually about half an inch to two-inches long (not counting the antennae). Their heads are built for ramming and even though the males have wings, they cannot fly. Turn on a light in a dark room infested with cockroaches and you will see and hear them scatter.

So what can you do to keep cockroaches from setting up a ‘roach motel’ in your home? First, be sure to keep your home clean. Second, cover and seal your food tightly. Third, completely block all roach entrances to your home. Once you have done this, have a licensed pest control technician treat your home. Here’s what we do.

Keeping the health of the occupants of your home or structure as the first priority, we offer several different approved pest control techniques for the treatment of cockroaches. These methods may include handspraying, dusting, fogging, baiting and/or the use of residual crack and crevice aerosol products among other treatments. The use of glue boards to monitor the number and activity of the cockroaches may also be used. Because each occurrence is different, treatments will be employed as applicable in specific situations.

Cockroaches are an unwelcome sight and can be unnerving, disrupting your peaceful home or building. It is for this reason that we suggest a recurring service plan for residential or commercial properties. This will maintain a healthy barrier around your structure should cockroaches come looking for food and shelter from the elements.