Health Dangers of Roaches in Your Home

Besides just being disgusting to deal with, German cockroaches can cause other problems other than just being a gross inconvenience. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that German cockroaches can affect your health:

They contaminate your food: German cockroaches eat almost anything and everything. They will eat food that has been leftover in the kitchen sink or even left open in your kitchen. Besides making a meal of your food, they will also walk all over your food, shed their skin, drop their eggs, and even leave behind their feces.

They transmit diseases: A certain type of bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that is known to cause urinary tract infections and digestive problems multiplies rapidly in the gut of German cockroaches. They regurgitate their saliva while digesting food and use this bacteria to aid in the digestion of food, thus transmitting it to your food and potentially causing you a chance to get infected.

They trigger allergies: As cockroaches scurry about your home, they tend to drop parts of their body that easily become airborne along with dust in your home. Known as "cockroach allergens," they are a major contributor of issues such as asthma, allergies and a vast array of breathing difficulties. Some of the symptoms that may be associated with exposure to cockroach allergens include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, respiratory symptoms that don't go away, and a skin rash.

These are only a few of the many reasons why it's important to make sure all cockroach problems in your home are addressed fast. If you are tired of dealing with an infestation that just won't budge, let our roach exterminators help today.

Common Cockroaches in Northern California

Throughout the world, there are approximately 69 different types of cockroaches that are commonly treated by pest management professionals. In the United States, there are a number of different types that exist but there are four primary types that are seen in Northern California and elsewhere across the nation. Understanding what type of roach has invaded your home can make a difference in the prevention measures that are taken.

German Cockroach

The most common type of cockroach found in households is the German cockroach, and it can be quite difficult to treat. Both male and female are similar in appearance, with two dark stripes down their back. The nymphs also have two dark stripes that are just behind the head. An adult German cockroach is approximately 3/4 inch long and light brown in color. They can be found throughout the household, although they prefer warm, damp areas such as the bathroom and kitchen.

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is larger than the German cockroach, and the adult is typically about 1 1/2 inches long. They are reddish brown color. The American cockroach tends to stay in damp areas outside, such as in sewers, but they can come indoors as well. The male and female American cockroaches look the same, and they have wings that cover their abdominal area.

Brown Banded Cockroach

This is a smaller cockroach approximately 1/2 inch long and light brown in color. They prefer drier areas of the home and can be found in closets, in the furniture and in other areas. An adult banded cockroach has two pale bands at the base of the wings.

Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is typically found outside but they can sometimes come indoors in the basement areas or through the sewer pipes. They are approximately 1 1/4 inch long, black in color with short wings.

Where Do Cockroaches Hide?

Typically, you only see one cockroach at a time, usually when they're scurrying around. But if there is a true infestation, you may find cockroaches in:

The kitchen, especially in the pantry and in cabinets.

Appliances, such as the dishwasher or toaster, as they feed on the crumbs.

Sinks and bathtubs, especially the bathtub as there's warm water.

Bookshelves, as cockroaches also feed on books.

In between couch cushions, also feeding on crumbs.

The ceiling, more likely in basements than bedrooms, but anywhere is possible.

How to Prevent Cockroaches

A number of preventative measures can also be taken by homeowners to ensure that their household is roach-free consistently. These items are above and beyond what may be offered by a pest control company, and they work in conjunction with our regular pest control services.

Clean your home clean.

Keep lids on stored food.

Mop up water puddles.

Fix leaking pipes.

Keep your home's temperature low.

Keep a dehumidifier in damp rooms.

Seal off potential entryways with caulk.

Replace window screens as needed.

Get Rid of Roaches with Our Pest Program

We understand not wanting to have cockroaches in your beautiful home. And with our help, you won't have to anymore! As part of our pest control program, we will get rid of all roaches and keep them out of your home for good. We proudly provide cockroach control to the greater Northern California area, including:

Redding Cockroach Control
Anderson Cockroach Control
Red Bluff Cockroach Control
Cottonwood Cockroach Control
Chico Cockroach Control
Mt Shasta Cockroach Control
Yreka Cockroach Control
Corning Cockroach Control
Oroville Cockroach Control
Shasta Lake Cockroach Control
And more!

Get your free estimate!

Call 530-378-2930 or Send Us A Message

Menu

Cockroach Control in Northern California