Cockroaches are common pests that plague homes and businesses throughout the U.S. Found in several thousand species, cockroaches have demonstrated their resiliency throughout written history going back more than 200 million years. Functioning as omnivorous scavengers, cockroaches will navigate through small openings using their somewhat flat body and durable exoskeleton.
How big do cockroaches get? Data from Guinness World Records indicates that the largest cockroach species is Megaloblatta longipennis, which is found in countries including Ecuador, Panama, and Peru. The species may reach three and ¾ inches long and one and ¾ inches wide. The smallest cockroach species is the “ant cockroach” (Attaphila fungicola), which rarely exceeds 1/10 of an inch long and exists in North America.
Are you a local property owner that is experiencing a cockroach infestation? Avoid the same mistake that many property owners make by taking matters into their own hands; instead, promptly contact a local pest control professional. An experienced Salt Lake City pest control company knows what to do about cockroaches and how to prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
The Cockroaches That Invade Salt Lake City Homes
Are you wondering what are some of the most common cockroach species in Salt Lake City currently? Among the species that invade homes in this region, the most problematic are the brown-banded cockroach, Oriental cockroach, American cockroach, and German cockroach.
The brown-banded cockroach measures roughly ½ of an inch long with a “bell-shaped” marking on its back. The German cockroach (Blatella germanica) has a body that measures between ½ and 5/8 of an inch long with two black stripes extending from the back of its head.
The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) appears in a distinctive, shiny brown or black color and prefers cool areas with plenty of moisture; therefore, in homes, they might reside near drains or below sinks. As the largest species seen in this region, the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) commonly exceeds one and ½ inches long and appears in shades of red or brown with yellowish markings.
Why Cockroaches In The Home Can Be A Major Health Risk
Once indoors, cockroaches will contaminate food and surfaces and begin proliferating. Some of the concerns that cockroaches present include salmonellosis, E.coli infection, cholera, and more. In some cases, home occupants will experience allergic reactions when infestations expand.
Five No-Nonsense Cockroach Prevention Tips
Are you a Salt Lake City property owner looking for critical information regarding cockroach prevention? Consider some of the following best practices:
- Install sweeps along the bases of exterior doors where needed and fix any damaged window screens
- Fill any external cracks or crevices near the ground level with a durable and weatherproof caulk or sealant
- Limit pooling water or excess moisture by promptly repairing leaky spigots or hoses
- Promptly place leftover food in sealed containers that will effectively limit access
- Ensure that trash cans with remnants of food in kitchen areas have a properly fitting lid
As the aforementioned tips suggest, homeowners should pursue a comprehensive, multi-faceted cockroach prevention strategy that involves limiting attractants, implementing exclusionary measures that will impede indoor access, and adhering to a routine property maintenance schedule.
The Best Cockroach Control Solution For Salt Lake City Homes
With more than a decade of success and experience in the residential and commercial pest control business, the experts with Pest Pro Pest Control know how to get rid of cockroaches in the house quickly and how to deter cockroaches from returning to the premises.
Keep in mind that our team is a full-service provider of home pest control services that will assist you will dozens of different common pest-related concerns. Contact our team today regarding an estimate.