Cockroach Identification & Prevention

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches are scavengers and naturally come into contact with many bacteria, diseases, and human pathogens. Any surface or piece of food in your home that cockroaches crawl across will become contaminated with pathogens that can make you and your family ill.

In addition, cockroaches leave piles of feces and shed skins. Both put many allergens into the air, which can trigger breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and other allergies.

Cockroaches pose multiple dangers, and we can never tolerate their presence in our homes and businesses.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Things that attract cockroaches living outside in our yards into our homes are food, moisture, and shelter. As cockroaches roam outside, small spaces in your home's exterior allow these pests to move inside.

Once inside, if there is ample food, water sources, and places of shelter, the cockroaches will settle in and make themselves at home, feeding, breeding, and increasing their numbers.

Cockroaches are also avid hitchhikers. The German cockroach moves easily from structure to structure in things like appliances, boxes, deliveries, and bags.

Where will I find cockroaches?

American cockroaches are also referred to as palmetto bugs as they commonly live on or around palmetto trees. They also hang outside in garden areas under mulch, landscaping ties, and rocks. Though American cockroaches live quite successfully outside, they will move indoors during harsh weather or while foraging for food.

Oriental cockroaches are called "water bugs" because they prefer to live in or near environments with excess moisture present. Outside, Oriental cockroaches live near sewers and drains, in garbage piles, under mulch, and under leaves or other piles of debris.

German cockroaches have adapted to living indoors with people. These roaches are common pests in homes, restaurants, schools, hotels, food processing facilities, and wherever else food is prepared or stored.

Inside our homes, most cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid areas. Our kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and basement are most likely to become overrun by these scavenging, opportunistic pests.

Cockroaches hide their flat bodies in dark, tight cracks and crevices, doing their best to camouflage their presence. If you are spotting cockroaches scurrying around your home during the day, it is a sign that there is likely a large infestation present.