Cockroaches are creepy crawlers that are actually very dangerous. They thrive in warm, humid climates like the ones that are found in West Palm Beach and are an extremely adaptable breed of insect, making them almost impossible to eliminate without professional help. Therefore, homeowners should take every precaution to prevent an infestation.
Types of Cockroaches
Some cockroaches that are common to the West Palm Beach area are:
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American cockroaches are reddish-brown with a figure-eight pattern on the back of their head. They are often found in sewers and basements, most specifically around drains and pipes. Homeowners may also find American cockroaches in kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms as they search for both water and food. They also thrive in temperatures over 70 degrees, which makes them even more prominent in the West Palm Beach area.
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German cockroaches thrive in humid climates like those found in West Palm Beach and are a light brown color with two dark stripes on their backs. The most common species of cockroach found worldwide, German cockroaches prefer to run instead of fly. Homeowners will similarly find them in basements, dirty areas in the home, or near excessive dripping water.
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Brown-banded cockroaches are most clearly identified by the brown band found on their wings and were first discovered in 1903. Additionally, they prefer warmer, drier, and higher locations than any of the other cockroaches, so homeowners should look for them in kitchen cabinets or underneath furniture.
The Dangers of Cockroaches
While most people know that cockroaches are gross, they don’t know the intimate details about the actual dangers they possess.
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Certain allergens can be found in a cockroach’s saliva, fecal matter, and inside their body that can actually cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma.
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Cockroaches also transmit bacterias including E. coli, salmonella, and parasitic worms through just their exterior surface.
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The bacterias that they can transmit can spread to the human bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.
Why Are Cockroaches So Difficult?
Homeowners do not want cockroaches in their homes. Once they enter the home, they are nearly impossible to get out. The length of time it takes to get rid of cockroaches is dependent on the species and size of the infestation. Many over-the-counter insecticides may be helpful, however, it should be noted that cockroaches are an extremely adaptable breed and may even be resistant to many methods of extermination.
Protecting Your West Palm Beach Home
Since cockroaches are so hard to get rid of once they have infested your West Palm Beach home, people should do everything they can to prevent an issue. Here are a few pointers to consider when protecting your home:
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Barrier exclusions are key. This involves preventing cockroaches from entering the home through small cracks in the walls and spaces like those that surround electrical sockets.
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Storing food in sealed containers and avoiding leaving it out at all will cut off a direct food source.
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Maintaining a clean house is imperative. This includes surfaces such as tables and counters, sinks, and floors.
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Run water periodically in sinks, showers, and baths that aren’t commonly used.
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Check for leaking or sweating pipes as this serves as a viable water source for cockroaches.
The most effective and safest way to protect your family from the dangers of cockroaches is with professional pest control help from the team at Empire Pest Defense. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help eliminate a current cockroach problem and prevent a future one!