Cockroach Control

Cockroach control is becoming increasingly important as the population in cities grows. These insects have lived around humans for many years and are present worldwide. As a result, they are a familiar household pest that is easily recognizable to most people. Cockroaches are dark brown in color accompanied by lighter markings across their backs. They are flat and oval insects with a three-part body (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, and long antennae, and grow upwards to approximately half an inch to two inches long on average. Cockroaches also have non-functional wings, however, in some species, these are restricted to males. Cockroaches produce a pungent odor that may help in identifying their presence and a possible infestation. Common cockroach species include the German cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, oriental cockroach, and American cockroach, with a larger population of the first two species present in the Pacific Northwest.

Cockroaches infest a variety of urban areas. They are opportunistic feeders attracted to warm, wet and dark areas with a food source. As a result, an occupied residence or commercial building (e.g. offices, restaurants) are ideal areas for cockroaches to thrive in. Cockroach control is needed to keep these pests from entering your home through various routes. Their small size allows them to enter through pipes, vents, the sewer, larger entry points such as gaps along doors and windows, and other cracks and crevices leading from the outside. In addition, they may be unknowingly brought in by a person or hiding on or in an item brought into a residence.

Cockroach control can prevent damage done to property and reduce health risks. Cockroaches are particularly attracted to food containing starch or sugar but will eat all types of food that humans eat. They can also survive on feces in the sewers and consume non-perishable items, such as paper-based products (e.g. wallpaper, books, documents), clothing, and adhesive material. As they travel, they contaminate surfaces and items by leaving droppings and other filth they come in contact with.

Cockroaches are well-known disease carriers. A cockroach infestation will increase the exposure and risk of diseases to people occupying the same space. Diseases are carried on the insects’ bodies, which are spread when they travel. In addition, cockroaches shed their skin as they grow, leaving contaminated shells on surfaces or food. Illnesses associated with cockroaches are numerous and include diarrhea, cholera and typhoid. Cockroaches have also been linked to various allergic reactions and respiratory conditions, such as asthma and pneumonia. A cockroach infestation may also affect the emotional and psychological well-being of the home owner or tenant.

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that commonly live in clusters. They hide in dark niches during the day, such as inside cupboards, cabinets under sinks, walls, floors, drains, under furniture and smaller objects, and in the crevices of cluttered areas. Essentially, they can be found just about anywhere within a residence.

As cockroaches feed, they contaminate and damage objects they come in contact with. Food exposed to cockroaches are at risk of contamination and must be thrown out. As a result, cockroaches create both costly material damage and as disease carriers, are considered hazardous to human health.