Cockroaches

Three of the most common species of cockroaches living in our area and that invade our structures include German cockroaches, American cockroaches, and Oriental cockroaches.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Both inside and outside our homes, cockroaches live in less than sanitary areas. Dumpsters, drains, sewers, trash piles, and the soil under piles of decaying debris are all places that cockroaches lovingly call home.

As they feed and move about, cockroaches pick up a large number of bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites on their body and legs. As the cockroaches move about your home over countertops, through drawers of silverware, in cabinets of dishes, and over your family’s food, they contaminate them with things that make people ill. Roaches spread E. coli, salmonella, and gastroenteritis.

Cockroach infestations also cause a strong unpleasant odor to develop in the structures they live in. Roaches also trigger allergies. Their feces and shed skins trigger cold-like symptoms as well as asthma attacks in many people, especially children.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches are active throughout most of the year in Louisiana, especially those living inside buildings. Roaches are most active in temperatures above 70 degrees.

The majority of cockroaches are attracted to moisture, so homes with moisture problems around them (leaky outdoor fixtures, clogged gutters, poor drainage) or in them (leaking pipes, sinks, humid basements or crawl spaces) will attract cockroaches. Besides easy access to food, moisture problems within your house are the biggest draw for cockroaches.

Cockroaches could at one time or another infest any home . They can find their way inside on their own or be transported indoors inside of used appliances, furniture, bags, packages, and potted plants.

Where will I find cockroaches?

These pests are nocturnal and hide during the day in tight cracks and crevices and emerge at night to feed. They hide in warm, damp areas of a home like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

The German cockroach is a species that has adapted to living indoors. These roaches are a major pest inside of homes, restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is prepared or stored. Both the American cockroach and Oriental cockroach live outside but often make their way inside to forage for food. They also like to move inside if the weather becomes too hot or dry.

How do I get rid of cockroaches?

Eliminate cockroaches and other pests from your Louisiana residential or commercial property with the help of River City Termite & Pest Control. We offer personalized cockroach control services you can count on to eliminate problems with pests and keep them from returning.

Get rid of cockroaches from your property by reaching out to River City Termite & Pest Control. We are happy to work with you to ensure that your Baton Rouge area home or business is kept free of cockroaches. To learn more about our home pest control or commercial pest control services, give us a call today!

How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?

Help keep cockroaches out of your home with the help of the following, easy-to-implement cockroach prevention tips:

• Limit crumbs and spills around your home by restricting eating to the kitchen and dining areas.
• Vacuum the floors, and wipe down tables daily, to help keep your home free of food debris that attracts cockroaches.
• Remember that cockroaches also feed on non-food items like soap and toothpaste, keep kitchen and bathroom sinks wiped down.
• Pick up uneaten pet food each evening.
• Store food in sealed containers, or inside the refrigerator.
• Inspect the exterior of your house, and seal any cracks in the foundation and walls to keep foraging cockroaches out.
• Use door sweeps on exterior doors to limit spaces underneath that cockroaches can move through.
• Inspect potted plants, appliances, furniture, and deliveries for cockroaches before bringing them into your home.