A cockroach infestation is one of the most frustrating things to occur in any household. Just the sight of a fleeing cockroach can send shivers up your spine — but even worse, an infestation can be dangerous to your health, which is exactly why you need to learn the best ways to combat these unwanted creatures.
Whether you have a current infestation or want to prepare just in case, here are some of the best ways to identify, prevent, and eliminate cockroaches in your house.
Table of Contents
Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
This is a common question that people ask. While cockroaches are present almost everywhere, they are still viewed as insect pests that nobody wants to deal with. The answer is simple: One or two cockroaches in your house will not be harmful—but when they begin to lay eggs and multiply, they will quickly take over and begin affecting your health.
That said, a cockroaches infestation can hurt your health in several ways. Learn more about the types of health risks these small creatures can pose.
Reason #1: Cockroaches Carry Diseases
Cockroaches can spread diseases through contact and through secretions like feces. Some of the most common diseases and bacterias they can spread are:
- Typhoid Fever
- Leprosy
- Cholera
- Dysentry
- Plague
Unfortunately, disease-causing micro-organisms live their body, which means that any type of contact a cockroach has in your house potentially spreads these types of diseases. For example, a cockroach scurrying across your kitchen counter should call for immediate disinfecting to prevent the accidental spread of bacteria.
Reason #2: Cockroaches Trigger Asthma Attacks and Allergies
Cockroach debris such as feces, shells, and other secretions can trigger allergies and asthma. The initiation of an allergic reaction will result in swelling of the eyelids, dermatitis, respiratory conditions, and itching. While not fatal in almost every case, this can be extremely uncomfortable for people who are prone to allergies.
Reason #3: Potential Parasite Carriers
As cockroaches move from the outdoors to inside your house, there is always the risk that they are carrying parasites and their eggs. Some of the most common parasites are:
- Ascaris
- Trichuris
- Capillaria
- Toxocara
- Hookworm
- Eimeria
Parasites are practically invisible to the human eye, but they latch onto insects like cockroaches in an instant. If you see a cockroach in your home, make sure you’re diligent about disinfecting all nearby surfaces.
Reason #4: Food Contamination
The worst and maybe the most common negative effect of cockroaches is the contamination of our food. When they find a food source, they can shed their shells and leave feces and saliva behind, ultimately contaminating them which could make you sick. Another shocking truth is the fact that besides eating human foods, cockroaches also eat dead animals, plants, garbage, feces, pet food, and other unimaginable things.
What Are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?
There are several signs you can depend on when looking for a cockroach infestation. Here are some of the most common ways to tell if you have roaches in your home:
- Actually seeing one, especially scurrying away when the lights come on
- Discarded exoskeleton shells left around the home
- Egg casings, which are long, rounded, and light brown in color
- Feces droppings, which look like ground pepper
You might have to really look for these symptoms, but when they are enough of them, you ‘ll notice their presence pretty easily.
How Can You Get Rid of Cockroaches?
If you begin to notice the tell-tale signs of a cockroach infestation, then it’s time to take action. Here are the best ways to get rid of existing roaches in your home and prevent them from ever coming in again.
Tip #1: Keep Your House Clean
There is something in your house that keeps attracting the cockroaches. If you can find and eliminate that reason, then over time, the cockroaches will disappear. This may involve simple things like being diligent about taking out your trash, cleaning up any food debris, and vacuuming floors frequently.
Tip #2: Use Readily-Available Traps
If you want to use traps, then try to focus on the crannies and corners where they may congregate and hide. Place the traps there and check in on it every few days to see if you’ve captured any. While this may not combat all of the roaches in your home, it will help on a large scale.
Tip #3: Seal the Cracks in Your House
Cockroaches take advantage of small entrance spaces via the cracks in your house. Be sure to caulk or repair any holes and cracks that lead to the outdoors, including around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. With fewer places to hide, breed, and thrive, you will be a step to eliminating the cockroaches.
Tip #4: Hire a Professional
Unfortunately, sometimes an infestation is just that—and it may be nearly impossible to combat. In an instance like this, you may need to hire a professional pest control company like this that has the right expertise when it comes to identifying and eliminating a cockroach infestation.
