Cockroaches are one of the most undesirable pests that you may find in your home. The first thing that comes to mind when most people think about cockroaches is neglected restaurants and sewers. Although these are very possible cockroach living spaces, many homeowners in Camarillo suffer from cockroach infestations. If you spot cockroaches in your home, it’s distressing. Where do cockroaches come from? How can I get rid of cockroaches? These questions and more are likely on your mind. Not only are they uncleanly and numerous, but cockroaches can be a serious health problem. Many people experience severe allergies from cockroach infestations. The best way to handle a cockroach infestation is to avoid one in the first place.
What kind of cockroaches infest homes?
How do you know if those bugs you see crawling around floors and drains are roaches? While several types of roaches live in Camarillo, you can distinguish them from similar-looking bugs with just a few tips.
First off, there are several types of roaches in California. However, the two most common types you’ll find in your home are the German cockroach and the brownbanded cockroach.
You’ll most likely see German cockroaches in food preparation areas and bathrooms. As such, they pose a significant problem not just in homes, but also in restaurants, warehouses, hospitals, schools, and more. These cockroaches are half an inch to an inch long, light brown, and have two dark stripes down their backs. They have wings, but they cannot fly.
The brownbanded cockroach is far less common, but no less a pest when they decide to invade your home. These roaches prefer dark, quiet places such as inside hollow furniture legs, behind wall hangings, and inside piles of clutter. Brownbanded cockroaches are roughly the same length as German cockroaches. Males have a golden tan color, while females are darker brown. Both have light-colored bands on their abdomens, sides, and wings.
Along with German cockroaches and brownbanded cockroaches, there are several other types of cockroach that crawl around California:
- Oriental cockroach
- Turkestan cockroach
- American cockroach
- Field cockroach
- Three-lined cockroach
- Australian cockroach
Some mistake beetles as cockroaches. To determine whether what you see is a beetle or a roach, look at its wings. Beetles have hardened forewings, whereas roaches have soft, membrane-like wings. If you find crickets in your home, it could actually be cockroaches. Spider crickets and other large crickets have large bodies just like cockroaches do. Their coloring can also be very similar, and they hide where moisture exists, just like cockroaches. The best way you can tell cockroaches from crickets is by their legs. Crickets have large humpback legs, and cockroaches have flatter legs. Also, cockroaches do not chirp like crickets do.
Should I be concerned about cockroaches in my home?
Any cockroach can carry disease, and many do. That’s the biggest reason you don’t want them indoors. Roaches put you at risk for staph infections, coliform bacterial infections, and more. They frequently also contribute to asthma and allergy development in children and exacerbate other pre-existing health conditions. If you have unexpected allergies, it may be caused by a cockroach infestation.
How do cockroaches get into homes?
Cockroaches get into homes numerous ways. Because cockroaches are incredibly hardy, they can survive in a variety of environments. Both German and brownbanded cockroach infestations usually stem from boxes and storage containers being brought into a home. Cardboard boxes are a common place for cockroaches to hide and stealthily travel between houses and businesses. Any item that sits amongst clutter or is not frequently moved can be a carrying case for cockroaches.
How can I prevent cockroaches from getting into my home?
Preventing cockroaches with 100% success isn’t always possible. However, there are several steps you can take on your own to lower the risk of an infestation. Make your home as undesirable to cockroaches as possible by doing the following:
- Continually practice basic sanitation, such as storing food in tightly-closed containers, keeping trash cans clean and away from doors and windows, and cleaning floors.
- Reduce their ability to get inside by such as sealing cracks and crevices, trimming bushes around your house, and installing weather stripping and door sweeps.
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets. Seal gaps around water lines and internal hoses.
- Clean up clutter around your home. Cockroaches frequently hide in cardboard boxes.
- Vacuum frequently as well to pick up egg cases and larvae.
How can O’Connor Pest Control get rid of cockroaches in my home?
If you have an active infestation, you need a professional to eliminate them for you. Our certified and trained team at O’Connor Pest Control can get rid of the cockroach infestation in your home. We offer one-time and ongoing cockroach control services depending on your unique needs. Give us a call or fill out the contact form on this page for a free inspection!