Cockroaches - Characteristic and Facts
Most cockroach species are about the size of a thumbnail, but some species are bigger. They have small heads and flattened bodies and their colour may vary from reddish-brown to dark brown. The mouthparts include generalized chewing mandibles and various taste and touch receptors. Their external surface has calcium carbonate to protect the inner organs. Cockroaches live in a wide range of environments and especially in tropics and subtropics but they also can survive in extremely low temperatures. Some of them can survive temperatures of 122C. Many species live rotting wood, holes and cavities.
An interesting fact is that some cockroach species can make hissing sounds, while others can make chirping noises. Cockroach diet includes bread, fruit, leather, glue, skin flakes and dead insects. Cockroaches also have incomplete metamorphosis, meaning that their nymph are similar to the adults. Their development is slow and can take a few years to over a year. One female cockroach can hold more than 30 eggs. Cockroaches can live up to 1 year, and the female can produce to up to eight egg cases in a lifetime. In good conditions, she can produce 300 to 400 offspring.
How Did I Get Cockroaches?
Unfortunately, people often believe that cockroaches infest only dirty houses, which is not true. Even spotless clean houses can attract them. Two species of cockroaches can get into your house by hitchhiking in grocery bags, used furniture and cardboard boxes. If you work in a highly infested area or building, you can easily carry them home. They can also gain access to your home through the plumbing. Usually, they travel between apartments by travelling along the plumbing with a common wall. Sewers and drains are other cockroach entry points.
How Serious Are Cockroaches?
While cockroaches are one of the most common pest problems, they are also one of the most stubborn. Infestations are hard to get rid of because the insects hide in a host of areas, breed quickly, have a very high reproductive potential and may develop resistance to pesticides. Cockroaches often taint food with E. coli and Salmonella bacteria, so it’s not safe to ignore these pests. Exposure to cockroach faeces and the body parts of dead roaches over time can even trigger allergies and asthma.
Are Roaches Harmful and Dangerous to Humans?
Sad to say cockroaches are not the most sanitary insects. They feed on food waste and breed in sewers. They carry different pathogens that can cause serious diseases and also play a role in spreading infections. Cockroaches can carry microorganisms that cause diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery and much more. On rare occasions, they have been known to bite people. Cockroaches can produce a protein that can cause allergic reactions in humans.
Common Types Of Cockroaches
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are the most common indoor roaches that you can see crawling around your property. They prefer dark, warm and humid places. They are usually found in kitchens, cracks and crevices but are also commonly found in bathrooms.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches prefer cold and damp places. Indoors you can find them in sewers, drains and basements. You may also spot them near leaking water pipes, washing machines and refrigerators.
German Cockroach
Oriental Cockroach
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Cockroaches?
To eliminate the cockroach infestation, it is essential to kill them in early stages. Unfortunately, DIY methods are not very effective. These pests are extremely adaptable and can be resistible to some home extermination methods. Without special equipment and materials, cockroach battle can be a losing game.
Prevention Tips
Cockroaches really adore card boxes and paper- so if you have them in your home it is best to get rid of them. Keeping your house clutter-free means that there are less places for cockroaches to hide. If you have gaps and cracks around your home make sure to seal them. The professionals from Archers Pest Control are able to identify entry points for you.
ProTip: Get a Professional Pest Control
While there are many things you can do to make your home unwelcoming environment for cockroaches, nothing prevents them better like hiring the professionals from Archers Pest Control. Here at Archers Pest Control, we can protect your home or business from any type of pests including cockroaches. If you are fed up of sharing your home with cockroaches or any other type of pest, our experts can help you.
ProTip: Get a Professional Pest Control
While there are many things you can do to make your home unwelcoming environment for cockroaches, nothing prevents them better like hiring the professionals from Archers Pest Control. Here at Archers Pest Control, we can protect your home or business from any type of pests including cockroaches. If you are fed up of sharing your home with cockroaches or any other type of pest, our experts can help you.
