Cockroaches

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are pests that have become closely associated with people because they like to live close to us, taking advantage of the food, moisture, and shelter our properties provide them. One of the most problematic species of cockroaches that people deal with regularly is the German cockroach. These roaches are considered structural pests and have adjusted to mainly living with people. German cockroaches are a major concern inside homes, restaurants, hospitals, and anywhere else food is prepared or stored.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

There is no other way to say it — yes, cockroaches are dangerous.

Inside our homes, cockroaches quickly contaminate surfaces, food, utensils, dishes, and more with the many different bacteria, pathogens, and parasites they carry on their body, legs, and in their saliva and excrement.

German cockroaches also trigger allergic reactions in people and especially children. Skin rashes, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and asthma attacks can all be due to the presence of cockroaches because of their shed skins and feces. They also produce a foul-smelling pheromone that can change the taste of food stored inside your home.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

German cockroaches are small roaches that cannot fly but move quickly from place to place using their six legs. Their dark reddish-brown color and flat oval-shaped body allow them to move through the smallest of spaces, making them to be difficult to prevent.

There are a couple of different ways that cockroaches will enter your home. Some species live outside near sewers, trash cans, flowerbeds, and other areas that put them into close proximity to our homes and businesses. They get inside after moving in through spaces they find in the exterior of our houses after being attracted by food odors or moisture.

Hitchhiking is another common way that cockroaches move from place to place. They will crawl into boxes, furniture, appliances, and other belongings and be carried to a new destination. In multi-unit buildings like apartment complexes, they will travel from unit to unit through spaces in walls, across floors, and through wall vents.

Where will I find cockroaches?

You will find that cockroaches thrive wherever people live or work. Most cockroaches, including German cockroaches, are attracted and thrive in areas of a structure that are warm and humid. Some of their favorite places to gather include:

• Appliances and cabinets
• Wall voids
• Baseboards and door or window trim
• Floors
• Furniture
• Cardboard boxes

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Cockroaches are prolific breeders that can take over our indoor spaces in the blink of an eye! At first sight of cockroaches in your Tucson, AZ area, home or business, it is important to reach out to a professional for help immediately. Turn to the professionals at Pest Friends to help you eliminate cockroaches from your property and put in place the regular services necessary to keep them from returning. Our professionals will rid your home of cockroaches through our modern pest control solutions, eco-friendly approach, and innovative services.

To learn more about our residential or commercial pest control services or schedule a complimentary inspection of your property, reach out to Pest Friends today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Cockroaches are pests that are very difficult to control and prevent. The best way to avoid problems with these pests is to take a defensive approach. Taking the following precautions in or around your home is a step in the right direction in preventing a cockroach infestation.

• Store your family’s food in airtight containers or the refrigerator. 
• Keep floors and counters clean of crumbs and sticky spills.
• Regularly remove trash from your home.
• Wash dishes daily. Dishes that you can’t wash right away should be kept in soapy water.
• Make sure kitchens and bathrooms are well-ventilated. 
• Keep drawers, cabinets, closets, and other storage areas free of the clutter where roaches like to hide.
• Store items in plastic containers with lids, not cardboard boxes. Cockroaches often hide in corrugated cardboard boxes.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.