Cockroaches are definitely one of the nastiest pests in Salt Lake City. While cockroaches have a reputation for being mainly a problem in bigger cities, they can infest homes in our area as well. And, while most people know that cockroaches are unsanitary, not everyone realizes just how dangerous they can be.
There are actually around 4,500 different cockroach species found throughout the world, but only a few commonly found in Salt Lake City including the brown-banded cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and German cockroach. While these three species look different and have varying coloration and markings, they all have wings that lie flat on their backs and have a long pair of antennae. Cockroaches also all have oval-shaped bodies and six legs.
However, while knowing how to identify cockroaches is useful, there are other signs of an infestation you’re more likely to notice first. In this guide, you’ll learn the main signs of a cockroach problem.
Three Signs Of Cockroaches
As the infestation grows larger, it becomes more likely to spot cockroaches. However, you’ll be able to notice cockroaches sooner and therefore get rid of them faster if you look for these early signs. Here are the three main signs of cockroaches in the area:
- Finding cockroach droppings around your home, especially in kitchens. These look like ground pepper or coffee grounds.
- Discovering shed skins or egg casings. The egg casings of cockroaches range in color from white to dark brown.
- Noticing irregularly shaped smear marks on walls or around the flooring. You might also notice a musty odor.
If you notice any of these signs, especially if you find more than one, there is a good chance that your home already has cockroaches. And, while they might be quite gross, they aren’t harmless. Cockroaches aren’t your average nuisance pests, and it’s important to know the dangers of having them around your house.
How Dangerous Are Cockroaches?
The main reason why it’s so important to know how to identify cockroaches is the risks associated with them. They carry many different diseases including E. coli, salmonella, and gastroenteritis. These illnesses can be quite serious in some cases. Along with sickness, cockroaches can also cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. While not all infestations will lead to health issues, the risk is always there, so it’s best to not take any chances.
Once a cockroach infestation begins, it can be difficult to get it under control. The sooner you can identify these insects the better as their numbers can quickly grow out of control. They are also resistant to many pesticides and are adept at hiding in many out-of-sight areas including cracks in walls. Because of this, removing them using do-it-yourself methods isn’t very effective or safe. It's best to leave cockroach removal to the professionals.
What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Cockroaches?
Because of the risks of having cockroaches in your home, the best way to remove them is to get professional pest control help from the experts at Pest Pro Pest Control. Our residential pest control experts can provide ongoing cockroach prevention and control to keep these nasty pests out of your home.
Discover more about our cockroach removal options by giving us a call today. You can also reach out to us online and request your free inspection.