If you’ve got cockroaches in your home, you’re probably looking for a sure-fire way to get rid of them. Not only are they creepy, but they can spread diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Cockroaches are difficult to eliminate once they’ve found their way into your Utah County home. That’s because cockroaches are survivors. They’ve been around since the dawn of time and have adapted to live in a wide variety of environments. These adaptations make them formidable and difficult to eradicate without professional pest control.
Cockroach Survival Skills
Cockroaches were created with some impressive survival mechanisms. For example, cockroaches can:
- Live a month without food
- Resist most over-the-counter pesticides
- Live a week without heads
- Hold their breath for 40 minutes
- Reach sexual maturity in about a month
Additionally, cockroaches are prolific breeders. German cockroaches, which are common to the Utah County area, live about 200 days. During that time, a female can produce nearly 400 eggs. With these abilities, it’s no wonder cockroaches have staying power!
Types Of Cockroaches In Utah
German cockroaches are the most common type in the world. Adults are about 1/2 an inch in length and have wings though they don’t fly. German cockroaches can appear from light brown to black in color and have two parallel black stripes right behind their heads. They tend to look oily. You’re likely to find this species:
- Under sinks
- In kitchen cabinets
- In trash containers
Oriental cockroaches are larger at about an inch in length. They’re shiny black to dark reddish-brown in color and give off a distinctive musty odor that helps them communicate with other roaches. Oriental cockroaches like damp environments such as storm drains and sewer grates. For this reason, some people call them water bugs. In houses, they often live in:
- Garbage disposals
- Sink drains
- Bathroom voids
Cockroaches Are Dangerous
Yes, cockroaches are creepy, but they are also legitimately dangerous. Given cockroaches’ role in the ecosystem, they carry diseases and pathogens that can harm your family. Cockroaches decompose materials in the environment. Therefore, they spend time crawling around in decaying biological materials where they are likely to pick up pathogens and germs on their spiny legs. When they come into your house, cockroaches can deposit these germs on your food or countertops as they crawl around. Some of the diseases and pathogens cockroaches spread are:
- Cholera
- Dysentery
- Typhoid fever
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
Allergies are another problem with cockroaches. Some people, especially children, are allergic to cockroach droppings and shed skins. For some, symptoms may be mild; for others, allergies can trigger asthma attacks. Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny and/or stuffy nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy nose, mouth, or throat
- Itchy skin or skin rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing upon exhaling
Protection From Cockroaches
Prevention is the best strategy to control cockroaches in Utah County. Things you can do to prevent cockroaches include:
- Repair leaky pipes or faucets.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
- Keep lids on trash cans and compost bins.
- Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers.
- Wash dishes and remove trash regularly.
- Seal entry points that allow roaches access to your home.
- Sweep and vacuum often.
Cockroach Control In Utah County
Taking these steps can help prevent cockroach infestations. But if your home develops a cockroach infestation, you’ll need professional assistance to eradicate the problem completely.
Contact Pest Pro Pest Control to schedule an inspection of your property. We have the tools and expertise needed to identify and treat cockroaches effectively. We’ll restore your peace of mind so you can feel comfortable and secure in your pest-free home.