The bigger a cockroach is, the more problems it causes around homes, right? Actually, this is not always the case. But if it was, the American cockroach would be the most problematic. If you have never seen one of these pests, they are pretty big. If you are not fond of cockroaches in the first place, you do not want to find an American roach skittering around inside your Pensacola home! If you are already seeing these pests in your living areas, do not panic. Here is what you need to do to get them out as well as some practical ways to keep them out in the future.
What Are American Cockroaches?
The American cockroach is the largest species of pest roach in our area. In fact, it is the largest roach in North America. How big does this pest get? Up to 2 ?” long. You can further identify one of these insects by its six legs, long antennae, reddish-brown body, and the yellow figure-eight pattern located on the back of its head.
Besides its larger size, the American cockroach is not much different from its close cousins that live in our area. It spreads the same diseases, triggers asthma attacks with its shed skins and fecal matter, and is a terrifying sight to see around homes. Some of the most common diseases these pests transmit to humans are salmonellosis, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid fever.
How Do American Cockroaches Get Into Homes?
The one thing that limits an American cockroach in its ability to invade homes is its larger size. A German cockroach can fit through a gap or crack ?” wide, but American cockroaches need much larger openings. They look for these openings around the exterior of homes through foundations, around window/door frames, and beneath doors. In some cases, these pests will get clever and invade living areas through utility piping and up out of drains/toilets.
What You Need To Know To Prevent American Cockroaches
American cockroaches invade homes that provide them with food, water, and shelter. If you are able to limit these factors around your home, it will greatly reduce your chances of finding these nasty pests indoors. To help you with this, here are some great places to start.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Make sure your gutters are in good condition and flowing properly.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures around your property.
- Eliminate sources of standing water in and around your home.
- Clean out sinks after dinner and before going to bed at night.
- Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Invest in air-tight containers for leftover foods and food stored in plastic bags/cardboard boxes.
- Fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in the exterior of your home’s foundation.
- Keep unscreened doors and windows closed as much as possible.
The Only Way To Get American Cockroaches Out Of Your Home
Once American cockroaches establish their presence within a home, it is nearly impossible to get them out with DIY methods and products. Without the proper understanding of pest control products and procedures, trying to eliminate cockroaches on your own could put you, your family, and your pets at risk. To make sure the job gets done right the first time, get the experts at EnSec involved. We will implement the effective and lasting solutions needed to eliminate American roaches and deter them from your property in the long run.
Give our team a call today to find out more about our detailed services and to schedule a time to have your Pensacola property properly treated for roaches.