Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are ancient insects that live together in large populations. They reproduce with ease, eat almost anything, and are adaptable to virtually any living condition in our Bay Area homes and businesses. Cockroaches have an oval-shaped body and long antennae. Most have wings, but cockroaches are not known to be great flyers. Cockroaches use their six legs to move quickly from place to place. Oriental cockroaches are a shiny black color, while German cockroaches are light brown or tan with two darker stripes running down their backs.

In the United States, several species of cockroaches are problematic in and around residential and commercial properties. In our area, two of the most common species people deal with are the Oriental cockroach and the German cockroach. Both species love to live indoors near areas of moisture.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches are scavengers and love to feed on decaying plant and animal matter. As they travel and feed, they come into contact with a variety of human pathogens, bacteria, and parasites. As they move throughout your home, they will contaminate food and surfaces with things like E. coli, salmonella, and gastroenteritis.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches become a problem when they find their way inside after being attracted by food or areas of moisture. They also get into structures accidentally inside of boxes, delivery bags, grocery bags, appliances, furniture, or potted plants.

Often properties with underlying moisture problems will have problems with various insects, including Oriental roaches and German roaches. Things like leaky fixtures, clogged gutters, poor drainage, humid basements, and improperly ventilated crawl spaces attract both moisture and cockroaches.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Cockroaches are nocturnal and are very good at hiding out of sight of people in dark hiding cracks and crevices. If you see cockroaches scurrying around your home during the day, it is more than likely that the infestation has grown quite large.

Oriental cockroaches are also referred to as “water bugs” because of their affinity for living in or near water or areas of high humidity. These pests tend to gather around water pipes, areas under sinks, drains, and sump pumps.

German cockroaches have become mainly indoor pests living in warm, humid areas of homes and other structures. Kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, and basements are common hideouts for German cockroaches.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

The most stress-free way to get rid of cockroaches and other pests from your Bay Area property is to partner with Bay Pest. Meeting the unique pest control needs of our customers are our top priority!

Our dedicated professionals can identify your specific pest problem, provide the services needed to get rid of them, as well as the follow-up services necessary to prevent them from returning! To learn more about our solutions to eliminate pests from your residential or commercial property, reach out to Bay Pest today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

To prevent problems with cockroaches on your property or in your home, follow our top prevention tips listed below!

• Reduce moisture in and around your home that most species of cockroaches find very attractive. Repair leaky pipes, maintain gutters, use dehumidifiers, vent fans, and eliminate any other areas of excess moisture.
• Keep cockroaches from moving into your home by inspecting its exterior and repairing any opening you find in the foundation, exterior walls, and around windows and doors.
• Place covers over vents and drains leading into your house.
• Move back the mulch from your foundation and create a barrier between the two at least 12 to 18 inches wide.
• Cut back shrubby from your home’s foundation to allow the sun to hit the ground and keep the soil around it dried out.
• Eliminate as much access to food as possible. Outside, keep lids on trash cans and recycling bins, pick up uneaten pet food, maintain gardens, and keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris. Inside, regularly wipe down counters, vacuum floors and never keep food out in the open on tables or counters. Reduce crumbs throughout your home by limiting eating to the kitchen and dining areas.

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