Of all the pests that are attracted to our homes and workplaces, there is perhaps none so recognizable, repulsive, and unwanted as the cockroach. Seeing a cockroach will disgust and creep out anyone. Even worse, spotting just one roach means there are undoubtedly many more nearby, and once an infestation occurs, getting rid of them yourself can be nearly impossible.
About The Cockroach
Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years. They have evolved and adapted to survive and thrive under the most adverse conditions imaginable. They are intelligent, social, omnivorous, and incredibly hardy. They reproduce quickly, can go months without food, and can even live for weeks with their heads cut off! They can withstand brutal temperatures as well as high levels of radiation and devastating nuclear events. Scientists predict that cockroaches will continue to survive long after humans have become extinct.
There are 4,600 different species of cockroaches today, and about 30 of those are associated with human habitats. Though cockroaches are sometimes considered a “dirty” pest, they often infest even immaculately clean places. They are attracted to moisture and water sources, warmth, food, and debris. They are skillful hitchhikers, quickly spreading from one location to another by grabbing a ride on bags, boxes, luggage, and clothing. Roaches are also nocturnal and prefer dark, confined places where they can nest during daylight hours undisturbed. Unsurprisingly, favorite places include locations like kitchens and basements—particularly under sinks, drains, appliances, flooring, pantries, cupboards, and crawlspaces. They are also found in seemingly unlikely spots, such as inside motorized equipment and ventilation systems.
Cockroaches And The Danger To Human Health
Cockroaches are more than just unsightly—they pose a severe health threat to humans and pets. They create dangerously unsanitary conditions, spreading infectious diseases, including salmonella, E. coli, and polio. They bite and also contribute to allergies and asthma and carry parasitic worms such as tapeworm, hookworm, and roundworm. Their impact is more than merely physical. The adverse feelings most people have in the presence of cockroaches can also bring considerable mental stress.
Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation
People commonly report very pungent, oily smells when roaches are present. Signs to look for are droppings, which typically look like specks of black pepper, usually found around sinks and areas where food is handled and stored, and unpleasant odors. In Tennessee, the most common species found are the American Cockroach, German Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach.
The Failure Of Common Pesticides
Getting rid of roaches once you’ve discovered them can be very frustrating. Over-the-counter pesticide products don’t get the job done anymore. As cockroaches have evolved, they’ve developed an immunity to many conventional pesticides. And as those products fail to work, numbers rapidly increase. In fact, a single roach can have up to 400 offspring in just one year. That’s why your best course of action to tackle an infestation is to seek the services of a professional exterminator.
Time to Call A Professional Exterminator
We are ready to help! Defender Pest Control is the leading specialist in cockroach control in the Nashville area. We have the experience, knowledge, specialized products, and equipment to effectively locate, contain, and eliminate your pest problem. We will also put a prevention plan in place to ward against future infestations. If you’ve seen a cockroach or noticed signs, don’t wait.
Contact us today.