Why Cockroaches Are More Than Just a Nuisance

If you have ever had an encounter with a cockroach, then you are familiar with just how disgusting these filthy creatures are. Not only do they scare the wits out of you by popping up in unexpected places, but some species can move relatively quickly, thus adding to the scare factor. But, if cockroaches are somehow getting into your home, being startled is the least of your worries. Cockroaches actually bring a whole host of substantially dangerous issues with them when they find a way into man-made structures. There are four common roaches we have in our service area. These are American, brown-banded, Oriental, and German. Let's take a look at them.

American cockroaches can grow to be larger than 3 inches long, they are dark reddish brown with a lighter-colored outline, and have a yellowish figure-8 pattern behind the head. Brown-banded cockroaches are around 1/2 an inch long, are light brown, and they have a distinctive banding across the wings. Oriental cockroaches (also called water bugs) can grow to be around 1 inch in length. They have shiny black bodies, and they emit a foul odor. German cockroaches are around 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. They have flat, light brown or tan bodies and 2 distinctive black stripes running horizontally down behind the head.

The Real Dangers Cockroaches Bring When They Get In Homes

• If someone in the home has asthma, the presence of cockroaches can make their symptoms worse. When roaches leave droppings, shed parts, or saliva, this can trigger a reaction. This is especially troublesome when roaches get into air ducts where these things can become airborne.
• If people are getting stomach illnesses, this might be caused by the presence of roaches. When roaches crawl from sewers and garbage cans into your kitchen they spread harmful bacteria which can cause symptoms often mistaken for the flu or the common cold.
• Even worse, roaches may be the vectors for the spread human diseases such as dysentery, cholera, leprosy, plague, typhoid fever, and viral disease such as poliomyelitis.
• If roach populations are large enough, people may begin to experience bites while they are sleeping. When food supply is low, roaches like to nibble on eyelashes, which sometimes results in a bite to the eyelid which can become red and swollen due to the transfer of harmful bacteria from cockroach to wound.

Even More Problems For Commercial Properties

• If you run a business that depends upon customers visiting your establishment, having cockroaches present can be detrimental to your bottom line. In today's modern age, a cockroach encounter can instantly go on social media or review sites and affect your business indefinitely.
• Not only will roaches scare away customers, but they are a serious health-code violation. If roaches or the signs of roaches are discovered by an inspector, and the problem is not dealt with promptly and completely, it could lead to closure of your establishment.
• If cockroaches are infesting, this can lead to loss of food supplies as these filthy creatures can make stored food unfit for human consumption. For restaurants, hotels, and other food industries, this can be harmful to the bottom line.
• If you own or manage apartment complexes, an assisted living establishment, nursing home, etc., a cockroach infestation can be a real nightmare. These creatures are able to squeeze through tiny holes and go from room to room, especially small roaches like the German cockroach. Immature nymphs are so tiny they can fit through the holes of an electrical outlet.
• Healthcare facilities, in all their forms, are no place for cockroaches. These pests can contaminate otherwise sterile surfaces and objects. If roaches get into ventilation ducts, wall voids, or other areas, allergens can be spread throughout a facility.

Don't Put Up With Roaches, Let A-1 Help!

Cockroaches are extremely good at finding ways into a structure and then multiplying quickly. If you are seeing one or two now and then, it won't be long before you have a full-blown infestation, and all the problems that come with these disease-laden insects. Here at A-1, we use modern technology and proven methods to manage cockroaches and other commercial pests. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial pest control solutions.