Did you know that cockroaches can survive for a week without their head? That they can run up to three miles per hour? That they can become adults in as little as 36 days? Did you know that cockroaches can live without food for up to a month? They are a formidable foe to any Salt Lake City homeowner due to their tenacity and ability to withstand nearly any climate, like freezing temperatures. And while cockroaches are typically associated with a lack of hygiene, that is not always what attracts them to your home.
There are approximately 4,000 types of cockroaches across the world with around 70 of them living throughout the United States, and they all have varied interests in what’s inside your home. A few types of cockroaches that you might encounter in Salt Lake City are:
German cockroaches. They are the most prevalent species in the United States. They prefer warmer climates and will run, not fly like some other species. Light brown to tan in color, they love spending time in the kitchen or wherever humans tend to congregate.
Brown-banded cockroaches. They appear just as the name says. Dark brown in color with a brown band across their backs, these pests tend to prefer cities, such as Salt Lake City, and are most commonly found crawling through your cabinets and snack pantry.
American cockroaches. Translucent, reddish-brown in color, these cockroaches are the ones most often searching for water or areas of excess moisture. Be sure to address any drainage issues or leaking pipes to avoid their presence.
The True Dangers Of Cockroaches
Yes, cockroaches may seem disgusting, but did you know they’re dangerous as well? A few ways in which they can enact danger are through:
Scratches. Cockroaches don’t bite but they do scratch and because they carry a slew of bacteria, a cockroach scratch could easily become infected.
Infested food. Cockroaches can spread salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus to your food once they get their hands on it.
Intestinal diseases. According to the World Health Organization, cockroaches are also responsible for spreading diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Allergic reactions. The enzymes that are found in shedding body parts of cockroaches, their eggs, and saliva are known to cause allergic reactions in humans.
The Difficulties Of Getting Rid Of Cockroaches
Once a cockroach gets into your house, they don’t want to leave. They are a formidable foe that is clever, to say the least. A few techniques for making your home less hospitable and trying to give them the book are:
Fix any leaking pipes or faucets.
Address any other areas of excess moisture in or around your home.
Store food in airtight containers with properly locking lids.
Clean up dirty dishes immediately after their use.
Seal up any cracks of vulnerable spots in your home's foundation.
Do not leave pet food out.
Practice good hygiene in the home by cleaning regularly.
Keep your home free from clutter.
Store trash securely and remove it regularly.
Cockroaches are nearly impossible to evict once they’ve moved into your home. The safest way to protect you and your family from the dangers associated with cockroaches is with professional help from the team at Pest Pro Pest Control.