Are you running into cockroaches on a regular basis?
If you’re a chocolate lover, your chances of encountering the pests has ever-so-slightly higher.
That’s right. There are nearly eight insect pieces inside every chocolate bar.
You shouldn’t think twice about purchasing the sweet treat — this miniscule amount is safe and approved by the FDA.
A run-in with a live cockroach in your kitchen is more likely to cause a stir. Here’s what you need to know about the pests, how to get rid of them and what to do to avoid them in the future.
What’s the deal with cockroaches?
The myths surrounding cockroaches have allowed the 300-million-year-old creatures to develop quite the reputation. Though there are thousands of cockroach species, only four are common in our area. The German cockroach is commonly found in homes and apartments. If you’re at the lake cabin, chances are that cockroach you discovered is a wood roach.
They’re typically a light brown or dark, oily black color, and range in size from one-quarter of an inch to 1.5 inches long. Dark places are most suitable for cockroaches, so it could be tough to spot the pests during the day or in open spaces.
Food and water are musts, too. The creatures need both for survival, and often make their homes in places that offer them, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They’ll feed at night and quickly scurry at the first detection of light, so chances are slim you’ll see a cluster or even a single roach out in the open.
Are they dangerous?
Few would willingly welcome cockroaches into their homes or yards, and with good reason! Cockroaches can carry both viral and bacterial pathogens on their bodies and in their feces. These can cause harm to humans, with outcomes including asthma, salmonella poisoning and dysentery.
If you see a cockroach, don’t let curiosity get the best of you. It’s best to avoid the pests and contact the professionals. There are a variety of ways they could have emerged or entered the area, including being transported by boxes, bags or luggage.
How to get rid of them?
Cockroaches are stubborn critters, and as ambitious as you might be, this is a job best left to the experts. Cockroaches can easily adapt to their surroundings and make themselves hard to spot during the day.
In order to prevent an infestation — or even a single roach — from making a home inside your own home, don’t leave food and water out where cockroaches can access it. Keep items sealed in containers and be sure to promptly clean up any spills. If there’s a condensation problem in or around your home or cabin, perhaps it’s time to increase the ventilation to avoid attracting cockroaches.
If cockroaches have invaded your space, contact
Plunkett’s Pest Control. We have the tools and expertise to effectively eliminate cockroaches. Our
family-owned and -operated business has been around for over 100 years, and our
Plunkett-ized technicians have your best interests in mind.
