How to Get Rid of Cockroaches – Myths & Facts About Cockroaches

The problem is that roaches are known to carry nasty disease and bacteria that is easily carried and transferred to you and your family. They are also sneaky and will use any crack and crevice to hide out of sight. For some, it seems to be a regular occurrence to bump into a cockroach every time the lights go off for 10 minutes.

But though you may know what a cockroach is, there may be a few questions you had concerning cockroaches, and today, we at Pest Control Technicians, Inc would like to take the opportunity to debunk myths and answer the most frequently asked questions.

Myths and Facts About Cockroaches

Myth: Roaches Only Go Inside Dirty Houses

Your home does not necessarily need to be a big mess to be infested with cockroaches. They do need to have something that is luring them in but they tend to bring lots of dirt and contamination with them.

Fact: Roaches Don’t Need to Eat Daily

When you decide you are going to try and deal with cockroaches and your option is to set out bait traps you, may be doing it in vain. The problem is that cockroaches can actually live for up to three entire months without feeding on anything! That means that they might just stay hidden away from your traps until you think you are rid of them. You will need to have some experience in how to locate the cockroaches as well as how to treat them in order to get rid of them.

Fact: Cockroaches Don’t Die in Water

You might think that a cockroach will die if you flood the area they are living in. This can be an area outdoors that you tend to see them scurrying past. The problem is this might be a great technique for some pests but cockroaches are not one of them. They are able to be completely submerged in the water for about 15 minutes without dying! They are also able to swim well and are able to get out of the water if necessary. This means that if you have cockroaches and you think that water is your way out you are very wrong.

Fact: A Cockroach Can Live Without Its Head

One of the craziest things that a cockroach can do that was discovered in a science experiment is to live without their head. A scientist cut the head off of a cockroach to see what it would do. The interesting thing is that the roach did not die or even just lay there. The cockroach was able to run around through mazes and survive. It only dies once it was starved or dehydrated. Knowing they are able to live for some time without food means you might be in trouble. If you smack a cockroach thinking it will die and all you have done is damage the head, they might still be lurking around for some time.

Fact: Cockroaches Mate & Reproduce Quickly

The biggest problem with cockroaches is that if they are not exterminated immediately they will procreate quickly. A female cockroach can carry up to 100 eggs with her which means that a few can be a lot in a short amount of time. If you see one, you are sure to have missed many more.

Cockroach FAQ

Q: What are the basic of cockroaches?
A: Cockroaches shy away from most light sources, as they are nocturnal. It doesn’t take much space for a cockroach to squeeze through; the width only about that of the coin is all they need. They are able to go without food for nearly a month and about a week without water. A cockroach’s lifespan is only about a year, and a fun fact, they can breathe without their heads. Cockroaches multiply quickly, to give you an idea females only get to mate once, and are pregnant for the rest of their lives, birthing between 300-400 babies during that time.

Q: Where are roaches found?
A: Roaches are not only subject to filthy homes, but found in the most immaculate buildings. Cockroaches call home anywhere there is a convenient food and water source. Thriving on sugar, grease, and other food remnants, they are found anywhere in a home, including cupboards, drains, nooks and crannies.

Q: Can cockroaches carry disease?
A: Cockroaches have been linked to salmonella, dysentery, gastroenteritis, asthma, hepatitis virus, and even typhoid fever are some of the more serious diseases carried by cockroaches. Cockroaches can also trigger allergies in many people.

Q: How are cockroaches getting into my home?
A: As previously mentioned, roaches do not need a lot of space to squeeze their bodies through, simple cracks and holes can invite them in. Plumbing pipes, vents, sewers, even boxes can bring in cockroaches into your home.

Q: Where should I start looking for cockroaches on my property?
A: Cockroaches are prone to dark, damp places with plenty of nesting materials, food and water to call home. Check under sinks, sewer lines, around trash, basements, garages, and so on.

Q. How long for roaches to die after treatment?
A: Unfortunately, it depends upon the cockroach species and size of the infestation. Most over the counter pest control products homeowners try prove ineffective and can even increase population levels as cockroaches go unchecked. Roaches are extremely adaptable and your best route is to hire a professional.

Q: How do I prevent cockroaches?
A: Apply the following:

• Routinely give your home a meticulous cleaning, vacuuming the obvious and less obvious places. Go through the clutter and keep it under control.
• Put away all food when you are done using it and clean and sanitize all surfaces where food was prepared. Be sure to tightly seal pantry items.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets, and avoid leaving any standing water anywhere.
• Keep trash bins covered and periodically cleaned.
• Have a pest control professional treat the appropriate areas of your home.

Cockroach Extermination

Pest Control Technicians, Inc offers pest control services to treat and remove of cockroach infestations as well as other pests. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.