Roach Infestations: A Homeowner’s Worst Nightmare
October 8th, 2015
Cockroaches are common pests that infest many homes across the US. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), roach infestations are found in around 78 – 98% of urban homes in the US with anywhere from 900 – 330,000 roaches per home.
Most people are repulsed by cockroaches simply because of the way the look. Their creepy, crawly nature makes our skin crawl (for good reason). However, roaches are not only scary looking, but they can also be dangerous. Cockroaches harbor a number of bacteria and pathogens that can cause harm to you, your family, and pets.
That being said, we’re going to provide some tips to help you prevent roach infestation as well as solutions for if a roach infestation does happen in your Fort Myers or Lee County home.
Why Does My Home Attract Roaches?
The first step in preventing a roach infestation is to know what attracts roaches in the first place. Oftentimes, people will associate a roach infestation with a dirty or unkempt home. While this may be the case sometimes, roaches can also make their way into a perfectly clean home.
- Grocery bags
- Gaps in walls
- Bathroom drainage
- Cardboard boxes
What Do Roaches Need to Survive?
This might seem like a strange question, but it is one that should be asked. Roaches need very little to survive in any environment (which is why they’ve been able to withstand all these years). All a colony of roaches needs to survive is water, food, and warm shelter. In Southwest Florida, we are prime candidates for a future home to a colony of roaches with our year-round warm weather, so it’s even more important for us to be on defense.
The Danger of Roaches
While they may be small and creepy, there is something even more dangerous about roaches: it’s the diseases and bacteria they carry. Cockroaches carry microbes (including pathogens) that pose a health risk to humans. They can also spread different kinds of parasitic worms and bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli, which can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, etc.
Additionally, risk of asthma is another reason why it’s important to remove roaches from your home. According to a National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma study, exposure to cockroaches can result in allergic reactions in children, such as wheezing or sneezing.
How to Get Rid of Roaches (For Good)
We are a Fort Myers-based pest control company serving all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry Counties. With a Certified Pest Control Operator on staff, we offer full general household pest control to Southwest Florida residents.
We back our service and will ensure that any cockroach infestations are eradicated from your home. If you fear a cockroach infestation, contact us today to receive a free inspection with our Certified Pest Control Operator.
