The 411 on Cockroaches in Your Home
Most of us expect to see a carpenter ant or a housefly in our homes at some point, but a cockroach can be an alarming sight. Cockroaches are usually associated with uncleanliness, so nobody wants a home infested with them. Aside from being creepy-looking crawlers, cockroaches can also spread nasty pathogens and diseases. No area in the world is safe from a cockroach infestation, so it’s important for homeowners in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut to act quickly once a cockroach is spotted.
What Type of Cockroaches Are Found in New England?
American Cockroaches
The largest of the house-infesting roaches, American cockroaches are typically reddish-brown and can grow as large as two inches! They prefer moist areas and do not tolerate cold very well. They tend to live in basements, sewers, and may move into your yard during the spring and summer.
German Cockroaches
A smaller species, German cockroaches measure between ½ and ⅔ of an inch. They can be tan, brown, or black in color, and have wings but are unable to fly. During the colder months, they are only found in places inhabited by humans, such as restaurants, food plants, hotels, hospitals and homes!
Oriental Cockroaches
These cockroaches can grow to an inch long, and are typically shiny dark brown. They prefer dark, damp places and can be found outdoors in sewers, under leaf cover and under mulch. Indoors, you’ll find them in damp basements, bathrooms and areas under sinks.
Here’s How to Keep Away Cockroaches in Your Home
- Regularly give your home a thorough cleaning. Pay particular attention to kitchen and bathroom areas.
- Wipe down counters and vacuum floors frequently– even if there haven’t been any spills!
- Don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink!
- Store all open boxed food in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Avoid leaving pet food out in the open– believe it or not, pet food can be a cockroach attractor!
- Try storing trash in a receptacle with a lid, and take it out often.
- Reduce moisture in the home by repairing any leaks and sealing gaps around utility pipes. Consider using a dehumidifier in areas prone to dampness, such as basements.
If you see any cockroaches in your home and suspect you have an infestation, go ahead and call your local pest control professionals. As always, feel free to reach out to Graduate. We’ll help keep your home cockroach-free!
