Cockroach Identification & Prevention

The truth is that any of our Brighton homes could be subject to a cockroach infestation. These pests have adapted to living with people and take advantage of any small amount of crumbs or moisture our homes offer.

In our area, there are three types of cockroaches we need to worry most about- American, German, and oriental cockroaches. Each species varies in appearance, but most cockroaches share the following physical characteristics:

• A flat, oval-shaped body
• Six long spine-covered legs
• A head that is covered by a shield-like cover
• Wings, although most cockroaches are not strong fliers.
• Long antennae that are as long or longer than their body
• A mouth that is directed toward the back of the cockroach's body

The best way to identify the exact species of cockroach that has found its way into your home is to contact a local professional. Accurate identification of the species is key to finding and treating the roaches in your home.

Cockroaches are a danger for several reasons. They are an allergy source, trigger asthma attacks, and spread dangerous bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. Additionally, cockroaches produce foul odors, stain surfaces with their excrement, and chew small holes in fabric and paper items.

Besides health risks, food contamination is one of the most significant sources of frustration when cockroaches are in our homes. Cockroaches are scavengers and quickly contaminate stored foods, food on counters, and surfaces with their shed skins, excrement, and saliva.

A cockroach problem can occur in any home. While cockroaches thrive in cluttered, messy houses, they are scavengers and can survive on the limited crumbs and non-food items like toothpaste, hair, leather, and soap found in a well-kept home.

Additionally, cockroaches can enter our homes in many ways, so keeping them out is challenging. Cockroaches can move indoors from outdoor spaces through cracks in the foundation, gaps under doors, vents, and other small openings.

Another common way they get into homes and other structures is by hitchhiking. Cockroaches regularly find their way into appliances, furniture, and cardboard boxes. When those items are moved from one structure to another, the cockroaches move with them.

Knowing where cockroaches like to hide within our homes is essential to preventing a large-scale infestation. Inspecting common cockroach hideouts will allow you to identify an infestation sooner than later.

Cockroaches are nocturnal and hide in damp, dark areas of our homes during the day. They like to squeeze their bodies into very tight spaces. Spaces behind wooden trim, wallpaper, and backsplashes are favorite cockroach hideouts. They also gather in wall voids, spaces behind large appliances, corrugated cardboard boxes, food containers, and areas of clutter.

Spotting even one cockroach scurrying in your home should immediately alert you to a problem with these pests and prompt you to contact a professional.

At First Choice Pest Control, we understand how stressful a cockroach infestation is for you and will help to quickly eliminate these pests from your Brighton home. We offer multiple home pest control programs for our customers to choose from, helping to ensure everyone’s unique pest control needs are met. To learn more about home pest control in Brighton, schedule an inspection, or learn about the 90-day guarantee we offer, please call us today!

Use these tips to avoid problems with cockroaches in your home:

• Vacuum regularly to remove food debris from your home.
• Practice proper food storage within your kitchen, pantry, and other storage areas.
• Seal gaps under doors, cracks around windows, and cracks in the foundation.
• Use dehumidifiers in your home to reduce excess moisture.  
• Remove clutter from your home.
• Make repairs to your home, fixing things like loose wallpaper and trim as well as wall cracks. 

For commercial pest control in Brighton, reach out today.