Sep 9, 2015 | Going Green, Pest Control
Roaches are often a source of confusion for a lot of homeowners. Where are they coming from? Why do I have them? Does it mean my house isn’t clean? How do I get rid of them and how do I prevent them? The answers to these questions largely depend on what kind of roaches you’re seeing. If you’re seeing large roaches, infrequently and at this time of the year, it’s most likely in the American Cockroach family. A more severe infestation is usually characterized by smaller roaches, seen frequently, usually in kitchens but often throughout the house in more severe cases. These roaches, German Cockroaches, are much harder to get rid of and often require a professional, monthly treatment by an exterminator. Find out more on German cockroach infestations here. For more on American roach prevention, keep reading.
It’s likely that you’re seeing these large roaches due to the changing of seasons, the abundance of rain, or from providing a food source to roaches, attracting them to your home. The good news: American cockroaches are easy to get rid of and prevent if the right pest control approach is taken.
Here are 5 things you can do at home to get rid of roaches and prevent them from coming back:
1. Keep floors clean – sweep, vacuum and mop often.
2. Don’t leave food out. Keep counter tops, floors, stovetops, & microwaves clean of debris and seal any leftover food in containers, including pet food.
3. Take out the trash. Leaving garbage in and around your home will definitely attract all kinds of roaches. Take it out often and keep it away from your home’s exterior.
4. Seal gaps, holes, cracks and crevices. If you’re not sure how to find these, contact your local pest control company. A professional will inspect your home and identify & correct potential entry points.
5. Treat. In order to get rid of existing roach infestations, an eco-friendly pest control treatment is recommended, consisting of interior and exterior applications – targeted for American roach elimination – and an ongoing prevention program which usually involves quarterly exterior treatments.
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For more on roach pest control in your area, click on the links below.
Atlanta Roach Control
Savannah Roach Control
Nashville Roach Control
Chattanooga Roach Control
Nov 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
10 Fascinating Facts about Cockroaches
It’s no secret that cockroaches are thought to be one of the most disgusting pests. They are known to carry up to 33 different kinds of bacteria that they spread around and contaminate food and surfaces. Roaches are also responsible for causing allergies and triggering asthma attacks, especially in children. Studies say that up to 5 million children are sensitive to cockroaches.
Behind the undesirable cockroach are many unique features. Here are 10 Fascinating Facts about Cockroaches:
- There are 5,000 species of cockroaches in the world.
- It is believed roaches originated more than 280 million years ago.
- Allergies and asthma can be brought on by breathing in pieces of broken down cockroaches.
- Germans call the German cockroach the Prussian cockroach.
- The American cockroach likes alcoholic drinks, especially beer.
- Cockroaches can run up to 3 mph.
- A roach can live 1 week without it’s head. It only dies because it can’t eat without it’s mouth.
- According to historical accounts, roaches have been used as medicines by grinding up and boiling them.
- Cockroaches like glue.
- Some females mate only once and remain pregnant for the rest of their lives.
For more fascinating facts on cockroaches visit our sources at NPMA and Hubpages.
Feb 20, 2013 | Uncategorized
Also known as Palmetto Bugs or Waterbugs, American Cockroaches are the largest cockroach in the U.S. American Cockroaches are considered one of the fastest running insects; they often dart out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small spaces despite their large size. They have been known to fly, but it’s rare.
Identification
- Reddish brown in color and have a yellowish pattern on the back of their head
- 1.5 to 2 inches in length
- Oval
Environment
- Usually lives in dark, damp areas such as sewers, storm drains, steam tunnels, and outdoors in landscaping and tree holes
- Prefer warm, dark, humid environments in homes such as wall voids, crawl spaces, basements, utility rooms, or attics
- Typically feed on decaying organic matter and a variety of other foods
- Also commonly found in larger commercial buildings such as restaurants, grocery stores, food processing plants, and hospitals
- Infest food storage and food preparation areas
Threats
- Have been known to spread up to 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 kinds of parasitic worms, and at least 7 other kinds of human pathogens
- Carry germs from decaying matter or sewage onto food or food surfaces
- Not common in homes
- May move indoors during colder months seeking warmer temperatures and food through openings in the foundation
Treatment
- Vacuum often
- Keep food in tightly sealed containers
- Take out garbage often. Dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bags in a tightly secured container outside of the home
- Seal off cracks and crevices that can be used as entrances into your home
- Granular bait formulations in attics and crawl spaces
- Dust in attic and crawl spaces
- Perimeter spray treatments
- Perimeter granular bait treatments
If you spot evidence of cockroaches call a licensed pest professional like Northwest Exterminating as soon as possible. American cockroaches can lay 10 or more egg cases, each containing 14-16 eggs. You don’t want this infestation to get out of hand.
May 18, 2012 | Pest Control
On Cinco de Mayo, we ran the billboard below:
"No More Cockroaches"
We thought the board was perfect for the occasion based on the song “La Cucaracha” that became popular during the Mexican Revolution, but also because cockroaches are a major concern in homes across the South. Cockroaches can be found in a variety of locations and are a significant health risk due to their ability to transmit several known diseases. Roaches are heavily reliant on humans for their food and shelter so they are most often found indoors.
Along with diseases, roaches cause allergens in a home. Children and people over 60 have a higher increase of respiratory issues and can go into anaphylactic shock if an asthma attack should occur due to being exposed to the allergens. A clean home can deter cockroaches and other pests from invading your home.
General House Cleaning Tips:
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly
- Wipe up spills and other messes as soon as possible
- Wipe down counters
- Keep upholstery and other linens clean
Common roaches found in Atlanta area homes are the American Cockroach, Brown-banded Cockroach, German Cockroach, and Oriental Cockroach. For more information on roaches, visit our Identify your Pest section of our website. Roaches infest in high numbers so it is best to call an exterminator to ensure that the infestation is taken care of quickly and effectively.
