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Why Preventative Measures Are Important To Stay On Top Of Cockroach Control in Elk Grove
October 15, 2021
Cockroaches are one of the most unsanitary pests in Elk Grove, California. In fact, while most people know that cockroaches are gross, they are worse than you’ve probably heard. These creatures can spread up to 35 different diseases, including salmonella and gastroenteritis, and they can also cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
The other issue with cockroaches is that they are so invasive. They can spread throughout a home or business, hiding under appliances, inside of walls, or in the back of cupboards. They also commonly get into food sources and live in kitchens and bathrooms. Because of this, trying to remove a cockroach infestation is complex, and it’s even more challenging because cockroaches are resistant to many pesticides.
In order to keep cockroaches away from your property, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on cockroach control.
Identifying Cockroach Infestations
The very beginning step is to recognize cockroaches. While there are different species, all cockroaches have long, oval-shaped bodies, antennae, six legs, and wings that lie flat on their backs.
The most common species is the German cockroach, which is a tan color with two black stripes that run behind its head. American cockroaches are also common. They are reddish-brown and can reach up to three inches long, making them the largest species in the area.
When it comes to cockroach control, the first place to start is to identify if you already have cockroaches around. Some of the main signs of a cockroach infestation include:
- A strange, musty odor that wasn’t there before
- Brown, irregular-shaped smear marks around baseboards, walls, and appliances caused by cockroach droppings
- Discarded skins or old eggshells that range in color from whitish to dark brown
Spotting these signs is a sure sign that immediate action is necessary.
Preventing Cockroaches Through Cleaning
If you haven’t noticed any signs of cockroaches, it’s the ideal time to take steps to prevent them, and the first place to start is with a deep clean. Cockroaches love areas with a lot of clutter and access to food crumbs, so start by addressing kitchen spaces and removing excess clutter throughout your property.
Make sure to clean under heavy appliances, the back of cupboards, and inside of pantries. Then, try to clean the kitchen regularly by sweeping and mopping floors, doing dirty dishes often, and cleaning up food and drink crumbs right away. Lastly, make sure to store trash in cans covered with lids and take out the garbage often.
Four More Cockroach Prevention Tips
After you’ve done what you can to clean, there are a few more steps you can take to keep these pests away, such as:
- Remove possible entry points by installing door sweeps and weather stripping. Also, repair broken screens in doors and windows.
- Cockroaches are also attracted to moisture, so fix leaky plumbing and make sure you have good ventilation.
- Seal up holes in the walls and foundation using caulk and foam.
- Keep drains cleaned.
Given the challenges of removing an active cockroach infestation, these tips are far worth the effort.
What If You Do Have Cockroaches Already?
If you have noticed signs of cockroach activity already, the easiest way to remove them and keep yourself safe is to contact Neighborly Pest Management.
With over 40 years of experience in pest control, we will eradicate these dangerous pests swiftly, and then, we will provide ongoing plans to keep cockroaches away.
To find out more or request a free inspection, give us a call today.
