If you’ve ever come across a cockroach in your Virginia home or business, then there’s a good chance that it was an American Cockroach. That’s because American cockroaches are common home invaders across the United States. Despite their name, American cockroaches aren’t native to the United States. Rather, they are thought to have been brought over on ships at some point in the 17th century. However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t need to worry about them now.
American cockroaches can spread all sorts of harmful bacteria and human pathogens to the various surfaces inside a home or business. As such, you should know some prevention techniques, as well as effective American cockroach control solutions in Chesapeake, should your Virginia property become infested.
Identifying The American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest home-invading cockroach in the United States, measuring in at over two inches long. They are predominantly reddish-brown, and they feature a pale-yellow figure-eight pattern on the back of their heads. Both males and females have wings and can fly.
American cockroaches prefer warm, moist environments and are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. They also frequent businesses including restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, hospitals, and other large commercial facilities. They will usually enter a property by hiding in objects that we bring inside ourselves, sneaking through cracks in the foundation, or coming up sewer pipes. In fact, American cockroaches are the most common roach found in sewer systems.
Threats Posed By American Cockroach Infestations
Because American cockroaches like to live in contaminated areas such as sewer systems and garbage dumps, they can pick up various bacteria and pathogens with their spine-covered legs. Then when they come into our homes or businesses, they spread those contaminants to the various surfaces inside such as countertops, dishes, silverware, and even food if it has been stored improperly. Some diseases that American cockroaches spread include salmonellosis, dysentery, plague, listeriosis, and giardia amongst many others.
In addition to spreading disease, American cockroaches can also trigger allergies and asthma in at-risk people, especially the elderly and children.
American Cockroach Prevention Tips
When it comes to American cockroach prevention, your primary goals should be to remove any food or water sources that could attract them inside and to seal off any potential entry points. To accomplish this, you should:
- Store all food in air-tight containers or the fridge.
- Wipe up any spills from countertops or floors immediately.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures.
- Use dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels low throughout your home or business.
- Seal any cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Inspect objects such as cardboard boxes and firewood for American cockroaches before bringing them into your home or business.
What You Should Do If American Cockroaches Infest Your Virginia Property
If your home or business has been infested with American cockroaches, don’t waste your time and money or risk your health with potentially toxic sprays by trying to take of the problem by yourself. Instead, contact the professionals here at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control and ask about our various commercial and residential pest control treatment plans. Here at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we have over 100 years of experience. That means we have the experience and the expertise required to effectively eliminate any cockroach infestation in your Virginia property. Don’t let American cockroaches spread disease throughout your home or business. Give us a call today!