Roaches
The word alone can bring forth the heebie jeebies in many people. And no one wants to admit that roaches have taken up residence in their home. This state of denial generally comes from the bad reputation roaches have. They are usually associated with unsanitary conditions, filth and clutter. However, these remarkable little insects are actually able to adapt to just about any environment. They have but three simple, basic needs: food, water and harborage. Pretty much any home, office, apartment or building will qualify.
The really bad thing about roaches is the number of diseases that they carry. Dysentery, streptococcus, salmonella, hepatitis B, E coli, cholera and other disease pathogens are carried by the roach. Florida sees its fair share of roaches, particularly: American(Palmetto), Brown-banded, German and Australian roaches. None of them are pretty.
What are the signs of roaches in a person’s home?
The most obvious way to tell if you have roaches is if you see roaches in your home. Actually seeing a live cockroach is a pretty good indication that you have them. If you see roaches, particularly German cockroaches, during the day or out in the open around people, then that is a pretty good indication that you have a serious roach problem. If you live in an apartment, it could mean that a neighbor has the problem, but roaches can get in the walls and move from apartment to apartment.
Another way that you can tell if you have roaches is if you find dead roaches in your home, particularly in cabinets, under the sink and under the refrigerator. Finding roach droppings is another good indication. The droppings have the appearance of black grit, however the two larger species, American and Australian, are quite large and can be mistaken for mouse droppings. You are most likely to find evidence of roaches in the kitchen and bathroom, but they can inhabit any space.
Why are roaches in a person's home?
While roaches do like areas where food is left out and water is left standing (such as a dirty kitchen), they can actually live just about anywhere. They are highly adaptable and can live off of the tiniest crumbs. When they run out of food, they can live off of their own feces or other dead roaches. But if you have roaches in your home, it does not necessarily mean that your home is dirty. It just means that roaches have either been carried into your home, usually via cardboard boxes, paper containers, or through entry points to your home. Most Roaches, with the exception of German Roaches, are outdoor roaches that have found a way in. German Roaches are strictly an indoor roach and can be introduced by bringing in used appliances or visitors who brought them in from their homes. They are prolific breeders and can cause an infestation, rapidly. Roaches are nocturnal, they hide in tight places during the day, and come out at night to seek food and water. Most roaches will not breed indoors due to the lack of a moist environment they need to breed. This does not mean they will not live indoors. German Roaches and Brown-banded Roaches, however, will breed indoors.
Treatment Plans
Defining the species of roach is an important first step to eradication. Secondly, finding their harborage areas, any possible entry points to your home, and treating cracks and crevices underneath cabinets and in wall voids. And lastly, baiting the perimeter of your home is key to preventing them from getting inside. Gel baits, Dust, and non-repellent sprays are the best ways to insure a bug free home. It is important to remember that Florida has one of the highest populations of roaches and many different species. Having a treatment plan is an essential part of living in the Sunshine State.
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