Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Cockroaches are insects in the order Blattodea. There are around 4,500 species of cockroach in the world, but here in Central Georgia, we only have to worry about a handful of them. While they vary in size, color, markings, and behavior, all species of cockroaches are dangerous pests that spread a variety of bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. Cockroaches are also notoriously hard pests to combat once they find their way into your home. Reach out to us today for general pest control!

Cockroaches are incredibly dangerous because of the diseases they spread. They carry everything from bacterial to viral to even parasitic infections. There's no end to the diseases you can get from a cockroach infestation. Illnesses spread by cockroaches include:

• Cholera
• Dysentery
• Gastroenteritis
• Giardia
• Leprosy
• Listeriosis
• Salmonellosis
• Typhoid Fever

Many of these are serious illnesses that can lead to hospitalization and worse. Some cockroaches are also likely to trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, especially in children and older adults. This is why cockroach control is so vital to protecting your health.

There are several reasons why you might have a cockroach infestation. First and foremost, these opportunistic omnivores can eat anything you throw out, feed your pets, or store improperly in your pantry. Your house is full of goodies cockroaches can feed on. Even nonfood items such as glue or toothpaste can be used to sustain a hungry cockroach.

Second, cockroaches need lots of moisture. While Georgia usually has no shortage of this, the most convenient place for roaches to get it is often your home, especially if it has plumbing or condensation problems. Cockroaches may also come into your home to escape the summer heat or winter cold.

Cockroaches like to stay out of your way – and they're good at it. They are nocturnal creatures and skilled at staying out of sight, so you're unlikely to find live cockroaches anywhere, even if you have a serious infestation. They're just too good at hiding. This means you'll have to look for other signs of a cockroach infestation.

If you have cockroaches, you may start to see egg capsules and feces lying around under appliances or inside cabinets. As the infestation grows, you may spot exoskeletons and smear marks or begin to notice a musty or foul odor.

Unfortunately, getting rid of cockroaches is not really possible to do on your own once you already have an established infestation. This is because these tough bugs have developed high resistance to chemical cockroach pesticides and toxic baits.

Not only are roaches highly resistant to over-the-counter cockroach control products. They also breed so fast that these products likely couldn't keep up even if they were more effective. This is why professional lawn services in Marietta, GA is the best way to handle your cockroach problem. We have a battery of highly effective control technologies and techniques that can make your infestation a thing of the past.

The best form of control is to deter cockroaches. This is a lot easier than getting rid of them after they have established themselves in your home. To make your home less hospitable for roaches: 

• Fix moisture issues like condensation and leaks. 
• Seal potential entryways into your home, like cracks and gaps around windows and doors.
• Keep all indoor and outdoor garbage cans covered at all times. 
• Store all pantry foods in airtight containers. 
• Never leave pet food or dirty pet bowls sitting out overnight. 
• Clean up after meals and never leave dirty dishes in the sink. 

And if you start to see any signs of a cockroach infestation, contact the experts at Maple Leaf Lawn Care & Pest Control for turf management services right away.