Lake County Homeowner's Guide To Avoiding Cockroaches

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Types Of Cockroaches In Lake County

There are thousands of species of cockroaches around the world. Thankfully, only two are known to cause trouble for homeowners here in Lake County. Here's a brief description of each.

The American Cockroach: American cockroaches are reddish-brown and can grow upwards of three inches in length. These large pests can best be identified by the yellow figure eight-band directly behind their head.

The German Cockroach: German cockroaches are typically light brown to tan in color and grow to around five-eighths of an inch long. Two dark, almost parallel lines located on the back of their head differentiate this roach from its many cousins.

Problems Cockroaches Cause

All species of cockroaches are dangerous and cause the same problems. For one, cockroaches are notorious for carrying filth into homes. This filth often includes sickness vectors such as bacteria, pathogens, and parasitic worms. These vectors can transmit a number of serious diseases, including salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, leprosy, plague, gastroenteritis, and more. When inside homes, cockroaches will crawl over surfaces looking for food. If you interact with a surface that has been contaminated by cockroaches or eat food that cockroaches have snacked on, you run the risk of getting uncomfortably sick.

In addition to spreading sickness, cockroaches are also capable of triggering asthma attacks and allergic reactions with their shed skin, fecal matter, and urine. As cockroach infestations grow, more irritants will be released into the air, causing respiratory problems to worsen. If dusty rooms cause you to have trouble breathing, cockroaches are the last pest you want living inside your home.

Prevention Tips For Roaches

Roaches invade homes for three things—food, water, and shelter. To prevent cockroaches around your home, you need to limit their access to these three necessities. Here are some practical ways our experts recommend you do this.

  • Use a caulking gun or some liquid cement to fill in gaps, holes, and cracks found in your home's exterior.
  • Inspect your home for torn window or door screens and replace or repair any you find.
  • If you haven't already, install door sweeps under all of your exterior doors.
  • Make sure your gutters are in good working order and that no pipes or fixtures are leaking inside or around your home.
  • Install metal screens over exterior utility piping and ventilation leading into your house.
  • Use a dehumidifier inside to keep air moisture down.
  • After every meal, store leftover foods inside airtight containers.
  • Pick up and clean out your pet's food and water bowls after they finish.

For extra help dealing with cockroaches, get the professionals here at Pest Ref Services involved. We have the training and equipment needed to quickly remove roaches from your home and ensure they never return. Contact our team today with any questions about our home pest control services or schedule an inspection for your Lake County home.

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