Small insects can be more of a threat to human health than large animals, believe it or not. The reason is that bugs typically carry germs or parasites that trigger illnesses. Many species can communicate diseases directly. Cockroaches are among the creepy crawlers that can send you to a Bay Area, CA hospital.
Generally, cockroaches can make people sick by tainting food and surfaces. Combating them is difficult because they have pliable bodies that help them get through crevices. Also, they quickly procreate in volume. Since cockroaches are mostly active at night, you’re liable to come across their infestation indicators before actually seeing the bugs. Learn what the four early warning signs are, and how Bay Pest can be of assistance.
Four Warning Signs
Sign #1 Discovering Droppings
German and oriental cockroaches are known for violating homes. Unfortunately, they are very dominant in the region. Once they are adults, the German bugs are 0.51 to 0.62 of an inch long. They are tan or brown and have wings. However, they are more inclined to run. Younger ones are all black and wingless. In any event, both have horizontal bands behind their heads that are black.
The reddish-brown bodies of oriental cockroaches are packed in and glossy. Wings are among their features, but they don’t work. When it comes to size, they are 0.98 of an inch long. People often call them “water bugs” because they tend to surround the liquid. You’ll catch them in and around utilities, storm drains, gutters, and similar. If these paths don’t provide entry to your home, the pests will pass through holes in windows, doors, and foundations. From there, they will go to trash cans, structural voids, sinks, and cabinets.
Other notable traits of cockroaches are:
- They gather by organic debris, natural matter, and water
- They conceal themselves in concrete
- They settle in difficult to reach places
As a cockroach infestation unfolds, you’ll begin to discover their waste. Expect to find stains on fabrics and surfaces. Tinier bugs usually produce grainy fecal droppings. Meanwhile, bigger insects give off solid pellets with a round shape. There’s a lot of variation in size and color. Cockroach excrement, urine, and saliva consist of impactful bacteria. Consequently, humans may experience salmonella, gastroenteritis, viruses, and pathogens.
Sign #2 Finding Pieces of Shed Skin
Cockroaches discard their skin or exoskeleton during their growth cycle. The scraps have the potential to be anywhere. Considering that their shells are covered in microbes, it’s no surprise that there’s a link between them and allergic reactions.
Sign #3 Finding Eggs & Casings
The eggs of cockroaches are about 1 inch long or less. They can be any shade, including red, brown, and black. Look in your kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Sign #4 Detecting Foul Odors
To communicate with one another, cockroaches release chemicals. Further, emitting secretion is a regular occurrence for them. Both are rather smelly and musty.
Cockroach Prevention & Bay Pest Extermination
Take these steps to keep cockroaches away:
- Close up openings in foundations, doors, windows, and utilities.
- Have leaks and moisture dysfunctions fixed immediately.
- Put sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Cut the grass and trim greenery frequently. Distance plants from the property by two feet.
- Routinely clean out the drains and gutters.
- Use containers with tight lids for food and trash storage.
- Vacuum, remove garbage and wash dishes regularly.
We at Bay Pest have industrial-grade cockroach solutions you can’t purchase at a retail store. Our aerosol sprays, dusts, baits, and exterior treatments will infect nests and dry out colonies. Don’t worry, our avenues are completely safe. Follow-up and recurring visits are available, as customarily needed for these stubborn critters. Call us today at Bay Pest for a free estimate!